Normally hot-button social issues like gay marriage and abortion rights have sat on the backburner for much of the governor's race, with candidates more focused on Illinois' fiscal problems. But new political ads and a ballot referendum have helped draw the issue to the forefront.

Rauner says he doesn't have a "social issues agenda" because he's focused on economic reforms. The Republican won't discuss his views on same-sex marriage, saying only that he wouldn't change the state's law allowing it.

He says abortion is best decided by a woman and her doctor. He says he would not have signed the state's medical marijuana pilot project law.

At first blush, Illinois seems like a lock for an incumbent Democratic governor.

The population leans left. Democrats control most of state government, and this year's race is likely to turn on the Chicago area, one of the few places President Barack Obama can still bring large crowds to their feet.

But Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is battling to survive against Bruce Rauner, a wealthy businessman Republicans are banking on to exploit the state's deep economic problems and reputation for cronyism.

Quinn is an often-folksy Chicago Democrat who has held his own despite the state's many crises.

Rauner has sunk more than $25 million into his own campaign. He's blasted Quinn over Illinois' massive budget problems and a plan to make a temporary income tax increase permanent.

The Dwight Police Department has closed its investigation into the slayings of two women in their home several months ago.

Police Chief Tim Henson said Wednesday that 27-year-old Joseph Sipple acted alone in the double homicide. Police identified the 27-year-old man as their main suspect in August. They say Sipple committed suicide when officers went to his home to arrest him for an unrelated burglary two weeks after the killings.

Police say the same gun Sipple used to kill himself was the one used to shoot 60-year-old Donna Denker and 30-year-old Kelli Denker in mid-June. Henson said ballistic tests confirmed it was the same gun.

According to reports, Sipple was also involved in an August 2013 burglary at the Denker home.

A Peoria man charged with shooting two people has been ordered held on $1 million bond.

According to reports, 20-year-old Courtney Blakes is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated discharged of a firearm. He appeared in court Wednesday and faces up to 30 years in prison on each of the aggravated battery counts if convicted. A grand jury is expected to review the case.

Police say Blakes shot 21-year-old Blade Bellow and 19-year-old Julie Hill in the face Monday. They say the victims were inside a building when someone outside fired into a window with a shotgun.

Police said they were in stable but serious conditions Monday night. Their conditions were not available Wednesday night.

Halloween is here and area youngsters will be hitting community streets Friday night to do their annual collection of candy.

As the fun of the night approaches, local health and safety officials have some basic tips to keep kids and guardians safe while having a good time. Carl Baker, Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, says safety starts with the costumes. He says costumes that are too long can lead to a child falling and potentially hurting themselves.

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When it comes to costumes, Baker adds you want to find flame retardant costumes. He says many homes may have pumpkins that have internal candle-lighting, and accidents can happen with those.

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For people wanting to pass out candy this Halloween, Baker recommends keeping the porch area well lit and keeping it cleaned off. He also stresses the importance of keeping pets restrained in the event there kids that do not like dogs of cats.

[audio:103114halloweensafe3.mp3] [/audio]

For young children wearing masks as part of their costumes, Baker encourages parents to have their kids at least lift those so they can see side-to-side as they cross streets and go from house to house.

Many communities in the area have set their trick or treating times as 5 pm to 8 pm Friday night. Those communities include Clinton, Monticello, Lincoln, Maroa, Bloomington, Heyworth, Mt. Pulaski, Latham, Warrensburg, Atlanta, McLean, Argenta, Oreana, Cerro Gordo, DeLand and Weldon. Farmer City has set their trick or treating times in the city as 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Bement, Champaign and Decatur have set their times as 6 to 8 pm. And LeRoy has set their trick or treating time from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Jameis Winston overcame a rough first half to guide the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles to a 42-31 win over the number-25 Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. It's the 24th straight win for FSU. Winston ended with 401 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions for Florida State, which remains perfect at 8-and-0 and 5-and-0 in the ACC. Dalvin Cook rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries in the win. Michael Dyer ran for 134 yards and three scores as Louisville slipped to 6-and-3 and 4-and-3 in the conference. DeVante Parker had eight catches for 214 yards. The Cardinals were up 21 points in the first quarter but couldn't hang on for the win.

(Ottawa, Ontario) -- Patrick Sharp scored the lone goal of the shootout as the Blackhawks beat the Senators 5-4 from Ottawa. Jonathan Toews [[ Tayvz ]] scored twice while Marian Hossa [[ HOE-suh ]] and Kris Versteeg had a goal and an assist for Chicago, which has won two of three. Both wins are over the Sens. Scott Darling allowed four goals on 32 shots in the win. Mika Zibanejad [[ MEE-kuh zih-BAN-uh-zhahd ]] scored the tying goal late in the third for Ottawa, which has lost three of four. Craig Anderson stopped 35 shots in defeat.

>>Hossa Gets 1,000th Point

(Ottawa, Ontario) -- Marian Hossa scored and turned in an assist as the Blackhawks beat the Senators last night. The two points gave him one-thousand for his career. He's just the 80th player in NHL history with one-thousand career points.

>>Blues Blank Ducks

(St. Louis, MO) -- Jake Allen made 24 saves for his first shutout of the season and second of his career as the Blues blanked the Ducks 2-0 at Scottrade Center. Alexander Steen scored 4:29 into the game and Ryan Reaves added a third period tally for the Blues, who have won three straight. John Gibson stopped 27 shots for Anaheim, which has lost two of three since a seven-game winning streak.

(Cleveland, OH) -- The homecoming for LeBron James and the Cavaliers didn't go as planned with the Knicks stealing a 95-90 victory at Quicken Loans Arena. James struggled turning the ball over eight times and missing 10-of-15 shots. He finished with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Carmelo Anthony knocked down a dagger jumper with 25 seconds left to cap his 25-point and six assist night. J.R. Smith added 11 points and seven assists off the bench for New York, which evened up its record at one. Kevin Love put up 19 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in his Cleveland debut. Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points, seven assists and five boards in the defeat.

(Cleveland, OH) -- LeBron James' return to Cleveland as a Cavalier is inspiring a powerful new Nike ad. Titled "Together," the two-minute long, black-and-white clip starts with the Cavaliers in a pre-game huddle that eventually spreads across the city of Cleveland. Fans are seen huddling on streets and in alleyways, arms across each other's shoulders and chanting, "Hard work, together." "King James" also encourages his teammates to give back to the city in his pump-up speech in the clip.

After four seasons and two NBA championships with the Miami Heat, LeBron re-signed with the Cavs - the team he started with - earlier this year. The basketball star says he's going to work hard to also bring a title to his hometown.

>>Bulls Battle Cavs

(Chicago, IL) -- The Bulls welcome LeBron James and the Cavaliers to the United Center tonight. The Bulls are 1-and-0 after beating New York in the opener. The Cavs lost their opener to the Knicks last night.

>>Thunder's Westbrook Suffers Small Fracture In Hand

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The injury bug took another bite out of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Point guard Russell Westbrook played nine minutes and scored two points before exiting Thursday's loss to the Clippers. Thunder coach Scott Brooks told reporters that Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand. Westbrook appeared to injure his right hand while going up for a rebound and hitting Kendrick Perkins' elbow. Westbrook left the court and returned with a bag of ice on his hand. The UCLA product will be reevaluated on Friday and it is unknown how long he will be out.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Cardinals are exercising the 2015 option on pitcher John Lackey. The 36-year-old right-hander will earn the league minimum 500-thousand-dollars after making 15.25-million each of the last three seasons. Lackey was acquired from Boston at the trade deadline and his contract had a clause allowing for a league-minimum option after missing the entire 2012 season due to elbow surgery. He went a combined 14-and-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 31 starts.

>>Youkilis Retires From Baseball

(Boston, MA) -- Former Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis [[ YOO-kih-liss ]] is calling it a career. His agent says the 35-year-old is retiring from pro baseball. Youkilis played parts of nine seasons with the Red Sox, winning World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. He went on to briefly play for the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees before heading overseas to play in Japan. Youkilis was a career .281 hitter with 150 home runs in 10 big league seasons.

>>Cubs Decline Option On Fujikawa

(Chicago, IL) -- The Cubs are declining their 2015 option on pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa. He will be a free agent. He had Tommy John surgery in 2013 and returned late in 2014. Fujikawa pitched in just 15 games in 2014.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Cardinals are exercising the 2015 option on pitcher John Lackey. The 36-year-old right-hander will earn the league minimum 500-thousand-dollars after making 15.25-million each of the last three seasons. Lackey was acquired from Boston at the trade deadline and his contract had a clause allowing for a league-minimum option after missing the entire 2012 season due to elbow surgery. He went a combined 14-and-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 31 starts.

>>Youkilis Retires From Baseball

(Boston, MA) -- Former Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis [[ YOO-kih-liss ]] is calling it a career. His agent says the 35-year-old is retiring from pro baseball. Youkilis played parts of nine seasons with the Red Sox, winning World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. He went on to briefly play for the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees before heading overseas to play in Japan. Youkilis was a career .281 hitter with 150 home runs in 10 big league seasons.

>>Cubs Decline Option On Fujikawa

(Chicago, IL) -- The Cubs are declining their 2015 option on pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa. He will be a free agent. He had Tommy John surgery in 2013 and returned late in 2014. Fujikawa pitched in just 15 games in 2014.

(Santa Clara, CA) -- The St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers face off for the second time this season as the NFC West rivals meet Sunday at Levi's Stadium. It's the second straight road test for the Rams, who were routed 34-7 at Kansas City this past Sunday. St. Louis has dropped four of its last five games and is last in the division at 2-and-5. The 49ers are rested coming off their bye week. San Francisco will be looking to bounce back from a 42-17 loss at Denver in Week Seven. That snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped the 'Niners to 4-and-3. San Fran won 31-17 at St. Louis in Week Six.

>>Packers Enjoying Bye Week

The Packers are enjoying some time off. Green Bay entered its bye week 5-and-3 following a 44-23 setback to the Saints in New Orleans last Sunday. The Packers are now a game back of the Lions, who are 6-and-2. Green Bay hosts Chicago on November 9th.

>>Saints Take Down Panthers

(Charlotte, NC) -- Drew Brees went 24-of-34 for 297 yards and a touchdown to lead the Saints to a 28-10 win over the division-rival Panthers from Bank Of America Stadium. Brees also chipped in a rushing TD while Mark Ingram carried the ball 30 times for 100 yards and a pair of scores. Jimmy Graham caught seven balls for 83 yards and a touchdown as New Orleans picked up its first road win of the season and now leads the NFC South at 4-and-4. Cam Newton tossed for 151 yards and a pick while totaling 43 yards and a score on the ground. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 66 yards on 16 carries for Carolina, which falls to 3-5-and-1 with its third straight loss.

The University of Illinois says the Illini men's basketball team will play five 2015-16 games in Springfield while work continues on the State Farm Center.

Athletic director Mike Thomas said Thursday that one exhibition and four non-conference games in November 2015 will be played at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Springfield is about 85 miles west of Champaign.

Work on the arena began this year and will continue into 2016. The schedule allows the Illini to use the facility for games this season, which is scheduled to start next week.

New seating, video boards and many other amenities are part of the project.

Arrangements have not yet been made for the Illini women's team for November 2015.

>>Illinois Basketball Court Not Damaged By Water

The University of Illinois says the basketball court in the State Farm Center will be ready next week for the start of the men's and women's basketball season.

The university said in a news release Thursday that the playing surface was not damaged by water that backed up into the arena earlier this week. A drain line was blocked and several inches of water were on the arena floor and reached the court.

The court was removed and dried but has been reinstalled.

The men's team opens with an exhibition against Quincy on Nov. 7. The women's team faces Millikin University on Nov. 8.

Illinois State improved to 7-0 for the first time since the 1932 season after a home win last Saturday against Missouri State. The No. 6 Redbirds (7-0, 4-0 MVFC) will face another tough road challenge this week, when they travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face No. 22 Northern Iowa (4-4, 2-2 MVFC) at the UNI Dome.

Last year, Illinois State defeated Northern Iowa by a final score of 13-3 on Senior Day at Hancock Stadium. Linebacker Pat Meehan paced a stifling Redbird defense effort with a career-high and team-best 11 tackles and safety Tevin Allen added eight tackles, a tackle-for-loss, an interception and 17-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

With his 148 yards rushing on 31 carries, Redbird running back Marshaun Coprich extended his streak of 100-plus yard rushing performances to seven in a row to start the 2014 season. The Walter Payton Award Watch List selection has now rushed for 992 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season, and is just eight yards away from becoming just the 13th player in ISU history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.

Junior quarterback Tre Roberson led the Redbirds to their third-straight come-from-behind win in the fourth quarter against Missouri State. For his efforts, Roberson was named the MVFC Newcomer of the Week for the second time this season. Roberson finished the game 11-of-18 with 169 yards and two touchdowns through the air and rushed for 85 yards and another score against the Bears.

The 13th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes go in search of their sixth consecutive victory when they entertain the Illinois Fighting Illini in Big Ten Conference action on Saturday night.

Illinois picked up its first conference win and pulled even on the season at 4-4 after knocking off visiting Minnesota last week, 28-24. The victory put the brakes on a three-game slide for the Illini, who still have a shot at earning a bowl bid but will need to win two of their remaining four games -- the others being against Iowa, Penn State and Northwestern.

Ohio State blew a 17-point lead at Penn State last Saturday, but managed to pull out a 31-24 victory in double-overtime to keep alive its prospects of reaching the Big Ten title tilt. The triumph improved coach Urban Meyer's squad to 6-1 on the season, 3-0 in conference, and was its fifth straight since suffering a double-digit home loss to Virginia Tech back on Sept. 6.

Reilly O'Toole threw for 118 yards with a TD last week and he was not intercepted. He also served as the team's top ground gainer, totaling 59 yards on 17 carries, scoring on a nine-yard run in the opening frame. Mike Dudek led the receivers with five grabs for 41 yards.

It's been an exciting year for Monticello High School football, as the Sages entered a new look Okaw Valley Conference that is sending four of the six teams into the postseason.

The Sages bring an exciting offensive attack into the playoffs off a 6-3 regular season that featured wins over Okaw Conference Champion Tolono Unity and Nokomis. Coach Cully Welter says he's always preached having a balanced offensive attack, but this year, his personnel has allowed the opportunity to open up his playbook more than in years past.

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The Sages faced a daunting middle-third of their schedule, with Tolono Unity, Maroa-Forsyth and St. Joseph-Ogden all in succession and two of the three on the road. The Sages lost two of the three but Coach Welter feels his team remains calm in almost any atmosphere and no matter the situation.

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The Sages will travel to Elmwood to take on 7-2 Elmwood at 3 pm on Saturday afternoon. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

An environmental impact review says proposed passenger rail improvements could boost train service between Detroit and Chicago from three to 10 daily trips and cut travel time by up to two hours.

Reports indicate residents discussed the proposal Tuesday in Dearborn at the first of three public hearings on the review. The report says the train service through parts of Michigan, Illinois and Indiana would reach speeds of 110 mph and reduce the 5 hour, 38 minute trip between Detroit and Chicago by 2035.

Some residents raised concerns that the proposal doesn't include a stop at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Hearings are also scheduled this week at Chicago Union Station and the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. Officials hope to make a decision by spring of 2015.

Aspiring medical marijuana patients whose last names start with M through Z can soon apply to the Illinois Department of Public Health for a registry card.

The department begins accepting applications from that group starting Saturday.

Illinois has been processing paperwork from thousands of applicants whose last names begin with A through L. Others have been asked to wait until Nov. 1 to apply.

Most patients must have a written certification from their doctor to use medical marijuana in the state's new program. Only military veterans getting Veterans Affairs care won't need a doctor to sign off. VA doctors, as federal employees, aren't permitted to recommend controlled substances.

Governor Quinn is talking jobs in the final week before the election. In the last few days, he's announced more than 35-hundred jobs are coming to several cities across Illinois. The latest is a one-point-four-billion-dollar fertilizer plant that'll be based in Tuscola.

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Governor Quinn says more than two thousand people will be put to work when the plant opens its doors in three years. Add a-thousand-jobs with a new Amazon facility and 500 with a new transportation company and Quinn is making headway on the jobs front this week. But critics say he's simply trying to boost support ahead of the election, especially considering the jobs issue has been a major focal point of the campaign. Republican Bruce Rauner has slammed Quinn over the loss of manufacturing jobs and the state's high unemployment rate.

Sangamon County has unveiled a new mobile health clinic that will distribute flu shots and treat single-parent and low-income families.

According to reports, county Department of Public Health officials showed off the 32-foot-long van on Tuesday. They say it will stop in rural communities to make health department services more accessible and will help respond to disasters and emergency events.

The van includes two exam rooms and a bathroom.

The department spent $95,000 in grants to buy, transport and upgrade the 17-year-old vehicle that has been driven less than 31,000 miles. It was funded by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's Rural Health Initiative, as well as the state.

Health department director Jim Stone says a new mobile clinic would have cost around $300,000.

A central Illinois community has found a special way to honor a resident who died while serving in Afghanistan.

Reports indicate on Veterans Day, a street sign will be erected on the street where Paul Smith lived. It will read: "In loving memory of SSG Paul Smith."

Smith was killed by a roadside bomb in 2009 while serving with the National Guard. His widow, Kim Smith, approached East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus after her husband's death with the idea of honoring him with the sign.

Mingus says the sign will be up for three years. Then it will be taken down and given to the family.

The mayor's office is accepting applications from others interested in honoring a veteran with a street sign.

The lawyer for an Illinois man convicted in the 1991 beating death of his father has requested more time for the review of DNA samples that could lead to exoneration.

Donald Whalen is currently serving a 60-year sentence after he was found guilty of killing his father, William, in a downtown Bloomington bar. Reports indicate defense lawyer Jeff Abbott is looking for a forensic expert who can provide an opinion on the 23-year-old evidence. He's hoping the expert can determine whether a suitable DNA profile can be developed and submitted to a national DNA database for comparison.

Illinois State Police crime lab scientists reported the evidence wasn't suitable for the database. Previous testing of four knives showed DNA from potential sources other than the victim.

Next week when voters head to the polls, voters in Piatt County will be deciding on whether to support a sales tax geared to helping local school districts.

A handful of Piatt County schools have voted to support a measure on the Tuesday ballot to implement a one-percent sales tax that would go directly towards county schools. One such supporter of the measure is Susan Wilson, Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools. Part of her district falls in Piatt County and she indicates the sales tax would only be able to be used for school facilities.

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The sales tax is in place in many surrounding counties, and according to Wilson, when members of the Blue Ridge district shop in Champaign or Macon County, they are supporting schools there. She feels if this tax passes, it would encourage shopping locally because the money would be going towards Piatt County Schools, of which, Blue Ridge is a part of.

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In the spring election, the Blue Ridge District saw the same referendum fail in DeWitt and McLean Counties, however, the goals Blue Ridge Schools set for what they would do with the added revenue will remain the same. Wilson explains they hope to ease the tax burden on property owners and to save for any items that may come up within their facilities.

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The estimated amount of revenue Blue Ridge would generate from the tax would be around $57-thousand. Wilson notes there is a group of residents handing out literature to get the facts out and there's been a couple community forums as well.

Wilson notes administrators within the district cannot solicit a yes or no vote, however, the community group can.

As the month of October winds down, advocates for those in the middle of domestic abuse have been busy this month raising awareness of the issue.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner has been an outspoken advocate for domestic abuse since he came into office and explains it is a big problem locally. He says when he was first elected, it was something he wanted to focus on in hopes to begin to remedy.

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Locally, the Sheriff says DeWitt County is very fortunate to have a number of people and groups that are there for victims of domestic violence. Sheriff Shofner sits on the Board of Directors for DOVE of DeWitt County and touts the work they do and also those within his office who advocate for victims as well.

[audio:103014domesticabuse2.mp3] [/audio]

The most common theme among domestic violence victims advocates of all groups say is many victims believe they are alone in their struggles. The Sheriff emphasizes there are plenty of ways to get help and even connect with people experiencing the same struggles.

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According to the Sheriff, indicators a relationship that could turn very violent are being choked or sexual assault. Sheriff Shofner explains because many victims may have grown up where violent acts towards women and children were considered normal, victims many times don't realize what is going is not normal behavior.

Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley will have to sit out two more games as a penalty for accepting cash for autographs. The NCAA announced its ruling Wednesday, saying Gurley received more than three-thousand-dollars in cash from individuals for signed memorabilia over a two-year period. Gurley, who has already missed two games, will be eligible to return November 15th against Auburn. He must repay a portion of the money received to a charity of his choice and also complete 40 hours of community service. Gurley was a top Heisman Trophy candidate after rushing for 773 yards in the first five games.

(Charlotte, NC) -- First place is on the line this week in the NFC South on "Thursday Night Football" as the New Orleans Saints take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints can overtake Carolina for the top spot by avoiding an eighth straight regular-season road loss. Behind 311 passing yards and three touchdowns from Drew Brees, New Orleans earned a 44-23 home victory over Green Bay last weekend. The Saints are now 3-and-4 overall. Carolina has gone 0-3-and-1 since a 2-and-0 start. Seattle came from behind and scored with 47 seconds left to defeat the Panthers 13-9 at home on Sunday. The Saints and Panthers split their two regular-season meetings last year, with each winning at home.

>>RG3 To Start For Redskins

(Ashburn, VA) -- Colt McCoy will not be back under center for the Washington Redskins. NBC4 in D.C. reports Robert Griffin the Third will be back on the field as the quarterback. Griffin participated fully in practice on Wednesday as the 'Skin prepare for the Vikings. He's been out since Week Two with an ankle injury.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues start a two-game homestand tonight against the Ducks. St. Louis has won two in-a-row to move to 4-3-and-1 with a 4-3 OT victory over the Stars on Tuesday. Anaheim is 8-2-and-0.

>>Blackhawks At Senators

(Ottawa, Ontario) -- The Blackhawks battle the Senators from Ottawa tonight. The 'Hawks are 5-3-and-1 after a 1-0 loss to Anaheim on Tuesday. The Sens come in at 5-2-and-1.

It got ugly at Madison Square Garden with the Bulls cruising to a 104-18 victory against the Knicks behind 21 points and 11 rebounds from Pau Gasol. Taj Gibson knocked down 10-of-12 shots off the bench on his way to 22 points and eight boards. Derrick Rose had 13 points and five assists in the win. Derek Fisher's debut as head coach didn't go as planned for New York. The Knicks shot 36-percent from the field including 6-of-27 from Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway Junior. Carmelo Anthony led NY with 14 points.

(Chicago, IL) -- It looks like Joe Maddon will be managing in the Windy City. CBSSports.com reports the former Tampa Bay Rays skipper is close to a deal to become the skipper of the Chicago Cubs. The deal is expected to make Maddon one of the highest-paid managers in baseball. He opted out of the final year of his contract with the Rays on Monday after nine seasons. Rick Renteria is currently the manager of the Cubs, who finished 73-and-89 this season.

>>Cubs Make Room On 40-Man

(Chicago, IL) -- The Cubs are making room on their 40-man roster. Chicago has outrighted outfielder Ryan Kalish, infielders Chris Valaika and Josh Vitters and pitcher James McDonald. There are 37 players on the 40-man.

>>Reds Pick Up Cueto's Option

(Cincinnati, OH) -- Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]] is staying home in Cincinnati. The Reds have picked up his 2015 option, but the team hasn't announced the move yet despite it showing up on the league's official transactions. Cincinnati did not pick up options on outfielder Ryan Ludwick and infielder Jack Hannahan. Cueto went 20-and-9 with a 2.25 ERA this past season.

(Kansas City, MO) -- The San Francisco Giants have won their third World Series title in five years. Michael Morse drove in two runs including a go-ahead RBI-single in the fourth inning as the Giants defeated the Royals 3-2 in Game Seven of the Fall Classic at Kauffman Stadium. San Francisco is the first road team to win a World Series Game Seven since the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeremy Affeldt got the win. Despite just two days of rest, Madison Bumgarner came on in relief and threw the final five scoreless innings to earn the save. He went 2-and-0 while giving up just one run over 21 innings against the Royals. Pablo Sandoval finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored for the Giants, who earned their eighth crown overall. Sandoval set a Major League record with 26 postseason hits. At 39, Tim Hudson became the oldest pitcher to start a Game Seven in the Series. He yielded two runs in just an inning-and-two-thirds.

>>Giants' Bumgarner Named World Series MVP

(Kansas City, MO) -- San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner is the World Series MVP. Bumgarner pitched five scoreless innings in relief in Game Seven of the Giants' 3-2 win over the Royals on Wednesday to earn the save. He also won his two starts during the series, including a complete game shutout in Game Five on Sunday. "MadBum" allowed just one run in 21 innings overall against the Royals and is now 4-and-0 in his career in the Fall Classic with a 0.25 ERA and three championships. The 25-year-old southpaw threw a Major League-record 52-and-two-thirds innings this postseason.

At 12:53 a.m. Clinton Police, assisted by Dewitt County Sheriff’s Deputies, were called to the scene of a burglary in progress at Three Star Restaurant located at 1161 West State Route 54 in Clinton.

A responding unit located the suspect vehicle where a brief pursuit ensued before the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

Taken into custody and charged with burglary were Tabitha A. Lane, 25, Clinton, and Ivan Lopez-Martinez, 23, Clinton.

A third suspect, Anibal Rodriguez, 24 Clinton, remains at large and is being sought for questioning. Rodriguez is described as a Hispanic male, 5’7” 230 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes.

The suspects forced entry into Three Star Restaurant and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and liquor. Subsequent investigation by Clinton Police has revealed the same suspects are also responsible for the burglary to Tidy House Laundromat on October 28, 2014.

Lane and Martinez remain lodged in the Dewitt County Jail pending a court appearance. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anibal Rodriguez are encouraged to contact the Clinton Police Department at 217-935-9441.

Regional Radio News has learned that Kenney Bank and Trust will be closing, and the assets of the bank are being sold to First State Bank of Illinois.

In a letter sent to customers dated October 23rd, Clayton A. LeBeck, the president and C-E-O of the bank, said that the board of directors of Kenney Bank and Trust has entered into an agreement with First State Bank of Illinois in LaHarpe, Illinois, to acquire all the assets and liabilities of the Kenney Bank.

But with that acquisition, First State Bank will not be maintaining a Kenney office.

Kenney Bank and Trust officials expect the transaction to close by the end of the year, and for the Kenney bank building to close upon completion of the sale.

Clinton radio station WEZC 95.9 has announced that thru local sponsorships in the Monticello area, the station will follow the Sages football team thru the Illinois High School Association football playoffs.

Their first round game is this Saturday afternoon at 3, when Monticello plays at Elmwood-Brimfield northwest of Peoria.

Monticello football playoff games will also be streamed at dewittdailynews.com.

A Springfield woman with a previous drunken driving conviction has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence in connection with a crash that killed two.

Bond has been set at $1 million for 27-year-old Andrea E. Little. She was also cited by Illinois State Police for improper lane usage, driving too fast for conditions, illegal transportation of alcohol, improper overtaking, following too closely and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Authorities say Little was eastbound on Illinois 125 late Saturday when her car veered off the road and back on, crashing into an auto driven by 16-year-old Danielle Allen. The teen was a Pleasant Plains High School student. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene, as was 35-year-old Steven Moore of Jacksonville. He was riding in Little's car.

Members of a University of Illinois fraternity are expected to meet with the administration soon to discuss a sign they posted during homecoming weekend.

The sign, which was shaped as a giant paddleboard, featured a drawing of an American Indian holding a knife and looming over a gopher. It was paired with the words "Gut the Gophers." The sign was displayed outside of the Delta Chi house Saturday, when Illinois played the Minnesota Gophers in football.

University spokeswoman Robin Kaler says the display was disappointing and didn't coincide with the school's commitment to maintain a welcoming community. She says Illinois wants fraternity members to realize how their behavior impacts fellow students and the campus climate.

Reports indicate Delta Chi leaders will meet with Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs staff to address the university's concerns.

Amazon plans to bring 1,000 full-time jobs to Illinois, calling it a $75 million investment in the state.

Company officials have not decided on a location but will begin site visits, however, State Representative Bill Mitchell believes that Macon County would be the perfect location for the company.

[audio:102814MitchellAmazon.MP3] [/audio]

The online seller plans to open its first facility in the state next year. The hiring starts next year in Illinois and according to Amazon, the company plans on having 1,000 employees in the facility by 2017.

Paul Misener is Amazon's vice president for global public policy. He says Illinois has the workforce and the deal has been in the works for some time. He told reporters Tuesday that the site selection process is underway with the Chicago area as a potential location.

Misener says it's the start of a long-term relationship with Illinois. Seattle-Amazon is the largest U.S. e-commerce retailer.

Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the $75 million project Tuesday, saying Illinois has the transportation infrastructure.

The facilities will be distribution centers, but could someday include sales or other operations. The first Illinois facility is expected to open in 2015.

The announcement of a chemical company’s plans to build a $1.4 billion fertilizer plant in eastern Illinois, will officially be made Wednesday morning in the Tuscola area.

According to State Representative Adam Brown the plant will employ about 175 people, while another 2,000 temporary construction jobs are expected to be created while the plant is being built. Construction is expected to start on the plant next spring and take about three years.

[audio:102814BrownCronus1.mp3] [/audio]

Representative Brown said it will be a win-win situation and will encourage a lot of economic growth not only in the Tuscola area but throughout the entire area.

[audio:102814BrownCronus2.mp3] [/audio]

The site sits alongside a CSX rail line and is also near Interstate 57. It also has easy access to major natural gas lines which is a key component in fertilizer production.

Cronus chemicals will build the plant just outside Tuscola and plans to open a U.S. headquarters in Chicago.

Halloween is Friday night and local law enforcement officials will be on high alert as hundreds of kids will flood city streets for the annual door to door collection of candy.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates this week his department will be in all the elementary schools to talk to the kids about safety for Halloween. He explains they teach them the importance of costume safety and even accessory safety.

[audio:102914halloweensafe1.mp3] [/audio]

Not only should kids be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating but Chief Lowers encourages doing so in groups. He encourages trick-or-treating in neighborhoods you are familiar with and to carry a small flashlight to be seen.

[audio:102914halloweensafe2.mp3] [/audio]

For those handing out candy to the youngster, the Chief says it is still best to hand out only wrapped candy. He stresses handing out candy outside the door and for trick-or-treaters to never enter the home of a person handing out candy.

[audio:102914halloweensafe3.mp3] [/audio]

The Chief says his department will increase patrols for Friday night including trick-or-treating.

He says the southwest side of the city sees the biggest spike in pedestrians during Halloween.

Chief Lowers also stresses for motorists out to be more alert for kids on the streets.

(Undated) -- Mississippi State, Florida State, Auburn and Ole Miss are in line to compete in college football's final four this season. The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first top-25 poll of the season Tuesday, with those teams holding the top four spots. The panel will release a new poll each week until ultimately selecting which four teams will compete in the national semifinals on Sunday, December 7th.

>>Georgia Awaits NCAA Ruling On Gurley

(Athens, GA) -- The status of Georgia running back Todd Gurley remains in limbo, as the university awaits a ruling from the NCAA. Gurley has been on the shelf for nearly three weeks as UGA investigated whether or not he received improper benefits for signing autographs. The school filed paperwork with the NCAA last week to reinstate the star tailback, who has missed two games. Gurley is practicing with the team, but not as a starter. He has rushed for 773 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bulldog, who improved to 6-and-1 during his two-game absence. The Dawgs square off with SEC rival Florida this Saturday in Jacksonville.

>>Mississippi State's Prescott To Play Saturday

(Starkville, MS) -- Top-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott says he is wearing a walking boot merely "for fashion." Prescott told ESPN he is wearing the boot for precautionary reasons, and will be good to go when unbeaten MSU hosts Arkansas on Saturday. The Heisman Trophy hopeful would not speculate any more on the injury. He has thrown for nearly 17-hundred yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 664 yards and 10 more scores.

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is mourning the loss of his driver's ed teacher. Police say 78-year-old Larry Sparks and his wife were killed in a car crash in Tennessee on Monday while returning from watching the four-time Sprint Cup champion race. WBIR-TV reports their vehicle went off Interstate 75 and hit a tree. Sparks was both a teacher and principal at Tri-West High School near Indianapolis. Gordon posted condolences on Twitter, "Larry Sparks was my driver's ed teacher but also 1 of my biggest fans. He'll be dearly missed." Gordon finished second to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Sunday's race in Martinsville, Virginia.

(New York, NY) -- The Bulls tip off the regular season tonight at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Chicago is looking to make it back to the playoffs after finishing fourth last year at 48-and-34 but losing in the first round in five games to the Wizards. Tonight's tip is set for 7:00.

>>Pelicans Pound Magic In Season Opener

(New Orleans, LA) -- Anthony Davis racked up 26 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks as the Pelicans pounded the Magic 101-84 in the season opener at the Smoothie King Center. Ryan Anderson added 22 points and nine boards off the bench, while Omer Asik [[ oh-mare AH-shick ]] chipped in with 14 points and 17 boards for the Pelicans, who went 34-and-48 last season. Tyreke Evans recorded 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the victory. Nikola Vucevic notched 15 points and 23 rebounds for Orlando, which went just 23-and-59 last year. Tobias Harris had 25 points and eight boards in the setback.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Lakers rookie forward Julius Randle left Tuesday night's contest against the Rockets with a broken leg. The team confirmed Randle suffered a broken tibia and left STAPLES Center for the hospital. Randle drove to the rim in the fourth quarter and landed awkwardly following his shot. The 19-year-old left the court on a stretcher and finished with two points on 1-of-3 shooting in 14 minutes of work. Randle was selected seventh overall out of Kentucky.

(Dallas, TX) -- Vladimir Tarasenko [[ tare-uh-SANK-oh ]] completed a hat trick with a game-winning power play goal in overtime to lift the Blues to a 4-3 win over the Stars at American Airlines Center. Jori Lehtera [[ leh-TARE-uh ]] chipped in a goal and two assists and Kevin Shattenkirk assisted on a pair of goals as well. Brian Elliot stopped 25-of-28 shots as St. Louis moved to 4-3-and-1 with its second straight win. Tyler Seguin [[ SAY-gin ]] netted his seventh goal of the season while Trevor Daley and Jamie Oleksiak also lit the lamp. Kari Lehtonen [[ KAR-ee LET-ih-nin ]] had 23 saves for Dallas, which dropped to 4-2-and-3 on the year.

>>Ducks Blank Blackhawks In Chicago

(Chicago, IL) -- John Gibson made 38 saves for his second career shutout as the Ducks blanked the Blackhawks 1-0 at the United Center. Devante Smith-Pelly scored shorthanded midway through the third period for Anaheim, which leads the NHL at 8-and-2. Scott Darling denied 24 shots for the 'Hawks, who have lost three of four since starting the season 4-0-and-1.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Rams are adding safety Mark Barron to their roster. NFL.com reports the Rams have acquired the third-year player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a future fourth and six-round draft pick. Barron was the seventh overall pick of the 2012 draft. He had 49 tackles in seven games this season for the 1-and-6 Bucs. The Alabama product has three career interceptions.

>>Champ Bailey Retiring After 15 NFL Seasons

(Undated) -- Longtime cornerback Champ Bailey is calling it a career. His agent says, despite interest from several teams, the 36-year-old has decided to retire after 15 NFL seasons. Bailey played the last 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos, but was released in the offseason for salary cap reasons. The 12-time Pro Bowler spent his first five seasons with the Washington Redskins. Bailey was with New Orleans in training camp this year, but failed to make the roster.

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals have forced a Game Seven with the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer drove in two runs each during a seven-run second inning as the Royals cruised to a 10-0 win over the Giants in Game Six of the Fall Classic at Kauffman Stadium. Cain went 2-for-3 with two walks and three RBI, while Mike Moustakas homered, doubled and drove in two for KC, which will host the decisive Game Seven on Wednesday. Rookie Yordano Ventura tossed seven scoreless innings for the win. Jake Peavy was rocked for five runs while recording just four outs to suffer the loss for the Giants, who won the previous two games in the series.

>>Royals Host Giants Tonight In Game Seven Of World Series

(Kansas City, MO) -- The World Series is down to one final game. The Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants will meet in Game Seven of the Fall Classic tonight at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals crushed the Giants 10-0 in Game Six on Tuesday to even the best-of-seven set at three games apiece. The last team to win a World Series Game Seven on the road was the Pittsburgh Pirates at Baltimore in 1979. It will be a rematch of Game Three as KC's Jeremy Guthrie opposes San Francisco's Tim Hudson, who will become the oldest pitcher to start a Game Seven at 39. The Royals are aiming for their second World Series title and first since 1985. The Giants are seeking a third crown in five years. First pitch is at 8:07 p.m. Eastern.

(Kansas City, MO) -- Late St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras is being remembered at the World Series. The 22-year-old and his girlfriend were killed Sunday in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic. A moment of silence was held before Tuesday's Game Six of the World Series in Kansas City. Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura grew up with Taveras and wrote "RIP O.T. #18" on the front of his cap. Taveras made his major league debut earlier this year. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and General Manager John Mozeliak [[ mo-ZAY-lack ]] attended his funeral Tuesday in the Dominican Republic.

>>Details On Taveras Crash Released

(Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) -- Details are emerging on the death of 22-year-old St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras. TMZ Sports cites Dominican Republic police as saying Taveras was driving "very, very fast" on a wet a road Sunday when he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a huge tree. Both the outfielder and his girlfriend were killed in the accident. The autopsy is ongoing, but there is no immediate evidence that suggests alcohol played a role in the crash. Weather is said to have played a part in the accident, as it was raining around the time of the crash and the roads were slippery. Last year, another person died in the same exact spot under similar weather conditions.

>>Matheny, Mozeliak Attend Taveras Funeral

(Sosua, Dominican Republic) -- The Cardinals are paying their respects to late outfielder Oscar Taveras. Manager Mike Matheny and GM John Mozeliak [[ mo-ZAY-lack ]] attended the funeral for the 22-year-old yesterday in his native Dominican Republic. Taveras was killed in a single car crash on Sunday.

Illinois State head baseball coach Bo Durkac announced the Redbirds' 2015 schedule Monday. The schedule features a three-game series at 2014 College World Series champion Vanderbilt, a 10-day trip to Florida, and seven three-game series against Missouri Valley Conference foes.

Illinois State will open the season with a four-game set at Arkansas State beginning Feb. 13. The Redbirds are back in action at Southeast Missouri State Feb. 20-22, before taking on Vanderbilt Feb. 27-March 1 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Redbirds will play eight games over 10 days, March 6-15, in Florida. Seven of those games will be played at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational in Winter Haven, Florida; the other will be played at Florida Atlantic.

Illinois State will play its first home game of the 2015 season on March 17 as it welcomes Illinois-Chicago to Duffy Bass Field. The Redbirds will then host a three-game series with Eastern Kentucky that weekend, March 20-22.

In addition to 21 MVC conference games, nine of which will be played at home, the Redbirds have a home-and-home series with Illinois (March 24 in Champaign, April 14 in Normal) and a road game at Purdue (April 28).

The University of Illinois says it is evaluating the condition of the basketball court inside the State Farm Center after several inches of storm water backed up inside the arena.

The university said on its athletics website that the water covered the arena floor about 3 a.m. Tuesday and reached the court due to a blocked storm-drain line.

School spokesman Derrick Burson said it will be a couple of days before it's clear if the court can be used. If not the university would borrow, lease or buy a new court in time for next week's start of basketball season.

The men's team opens with an exhibition against Quincy on Nov. 7. The women's team faces Millikin Nov. 8.

The Clinton Police Department is seeking the public's help in solving a crime of a burglary to a local business.

During the overnight hours of Monday October 27th, an unknown suspect or suspects entered the Tidy House Laundromat located at 1251 East State Hwy 54 in Clinton and vandalized the business in the course of a burglary.

After shutting off the power supply to the business, the suspects caused several thousand dollars in damage while attempting to force entry into multiple coin operated appliances, among other damage.

Stolen in the burglary was an undisclosed amount of change and a four channel DVD recorder.

Anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Clinton Police Department at 217-935-9441 or Clinton Area Crime Stoppers at 217-935-3333 where a cash reward may be available for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

U.S. health officials on Monday recommended little more than voluntary, at-home quarantine for travelers from West Africa who are at highest risk for coming down with Ebola, and symptom monitoring for those at lower risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the updated guidance on Monday.

The CDC guidance comes after the governors of New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland announced mandatory quarantines for medical workers returning from three West African countries plagued by the worst Ebola outbreak in world history.

Experts say the state actions are unnecessarily severe and will discourage health workers from going to West Africa to fight the epidemic. The CDC said travel restrictions could be ordered in certain cases, but voluntary quarantine is enough for those at highest risk.

U.S. health officials are recommending that people who are at highest risk for coming down with Ebola avoid commercial travel or attending large public gatherings, even if they have no symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the updated advice to state and local officials on Monday.

The CDC guidance comes after the governors of New York and New Jersey announced mandatory quarantines for medical workers returning from three West African countries plagued by the worst Ebola outbreak in world history. Illinois and Maryland have announced quarantines for health workers at high risk for getting the disease, including anyone who's touched an Ebola patient's body fluids without protective gear.

Previously the CDC has recommended screening of travelers from West Africa and monitoring of people for three weeks after they arrive in the United States.

On Monday, the CDC broke down people in the orbit of Ebola into four categories. Those at highest risk are anyone who's had direct contact with an Ebola patient's body fluids, including health care workers who suffer a needle-stick injury during a patient's care.

For those people who are asymptomatic, the CDC recommended restrictions on commercial travel or attendance at public gatherings. The guidelines were not specific about where a person should stay, but officials said they meant home or hospital isolation.

Experts say infected people only spread the disease when they are suffering symptoms, like fever, vomiting and diarrhea. They say mandatory quarantines of those without symptoms are unnecessarily severe and will discourage health workers from going to West Africa to fight the epidemic.

A twin-propeller airplane has made an emergency landing in a western Illinois soybean field after running out of fuel.

According to reports, the Adams County Sheriff's Office said the plane's four occupants were standing near the plane Sunday when responders arrived. They landed about 3.5 miles southeast of Quincy Regional Airport. No injuries were reported and the four people declined medical treatment.

Authorities say the plane was headed to Quincy from Florida when it ran out of fuel before landing. Airport manager Jarred Hester said the plane sustained some damage, but the extent of the damage wasn't immediately clear.

Vice President Joe Biden says keeping Democratic control of the U.S. Senate in next week's election would "break the back of the hard right" and ease gridlock in Washington.

During an event Monday for Democrat Bruce Braley in Davenport, Iowa, Biden said Democrats can "stop the march of the tea party" by winning Nov. 4.

He says if Democrats maintain their Senate majority, "You are going to see reasonable people in the Republican Party start to vote reasonably again." Biden said if Republicans win control, the party will resist compromises.

Republicans need to gain six seats to control the Senate. Braley is in a tight race against Republican Joni Ernst for Iowa's open Senate seat.

Biden was also in Minnesota and Illinois recently, and was to visit Illinois again Monday.

Jobs are the hot topic in the race for Illinois' governor, and Governor Pat Quinn is trying to prove he creates jobs.

[audio:ILPat1Quinn1028141.mp3] [/audio]

The state is giving two-point-five-million-dollars to the Chicago-based Coyote Logistics to help them hire 500 more people. Quinn's challenger, Republican Bruce Rauner, says the economy is definitely improving, but the unemployment rate around the state is still too high. He blames Governor Quinn for Illinois losing almost 50-thousand manufacturing jobs during his time in office.

The University of Illinois is looking at ways to renovate one of the oldest buildings on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Altgeld Hall was built in 1897. When it was built it was one of just three buildings on the quad.

Since then it's been the university library, the home of the College of Law and the university's business office. Since 1956 it's housed the Department of Mathematics.

But much of the heavily used building isn't handicapped accessible.

According to reports, a university feasibility study put the cost of renovating Altgeld and nearby Illini Hall at about $90 million. Now the university will identify potential public and private funding sources.

Matthew Tomaszewski is associate provost for capital planning. He says the renovation is a top campus priority.

A special referendum will be on the Tuesday ballot for DeWitt County voters and Monday night at a special candidates forum, the DeWitt County Board Chair expanded on what the measure is all about.

According to Board Chair Sherrie Brown, the advisory referendum question that deals with the landfill. She says it will give residents a voice on how they feel about permitting of a chemical waste unit above the Mahomet Aquifer.

[audio:102814specialref1.mp3] [/audio]

Brown stresses this is an advisory vote, which means no matter how the vote turns out, the actions of elected officials may not change. She says it boils down whether people want chemical waste stored above the Mahomet Aquifer or not.

[audio:102814specialref2.mp3] [/audio]

The candidates forum saw just one local official up for re-election next Tuesday attend, and that was incumbent Keith Koons.

Terry Hoffman spoke as well along with the head of the DeWitt County Democrats Terry Redman. You can read more about that interaction today at dewittdailynews.com.

A local veteran is taking part in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC today and a local citizen is asking the community to help welcome him home tonight.

Clinton resident Tom Spencer will be going on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, DC today. Jeff Morlock helps local veterans in getting their paperwork together to go on the Honor Flight, he explains the veterans see all the sights that commemorate veterans of the country.

[audio:102814honorflight1.mp3] [/audio]

Morlock has been coordinating an escort for the veterans to return home to. State Police, County officials and Clinton Police escort the veterans home and then there are several veterans groups in town that work for a special welcome home when they arrive in Clinton.

[audio:102814honorflight2.mp3] [/audio]

Morlock has aided nearly 15 veterans to go on the Honor Flight and has personally escorted four to Washington, DC. Tonight at approximately 11 pm, Spencer will be returning to Clinton at the high school. He hopes as much of the community that is able will come and show support for Spencer and recognize him in his service of the country.

He encourages any friends, family or acquaintances of veterans who have not been on the Honor Flight to contact him so they can go. You can contact Morlock via phone by calling 217-853-2530.

At a Monday candidates forum, a local DeWitt County Board member made some pointed comments towards elected officials.

Terry Hoffman addressed a room of about a dozen senior citizens Monday at the DeWitt County Housing Authority as part of a meet and greet of candidates for the upcoming Tuesday election. Hoffman spoke primarily on the landfill, and says his efforts for change have been greatly opposed by "the opposition".

[audio:102814hoffmantalks1.mp3] [/audio]

The County has taken two referendum measures to find where the public stands in regard to chemical waste at the landfill. Hoffman directed comments towards certain "entities" within the board in favor of this, and also accuses State's Attorney Karle Koritz of "being with the landfill" and "not looking out for the people of the county".

[audio:102814hoffmantalk2.mp3] [/audio]

Hoffman then came after the Better Government for DeWitt County Group that has formed. Hoffman says the group supports hazardous waste over the Mahomet Aquifer and he's started to get "political pressure the first six days [he] was in office".

[audio:102814hoffmantalks3.mp3] [/audio]

Terry Redman is the Chair of the DeWitt County Democratic Committee and part of the Better Government for DeWitt County group, and was on hand Monday night. He says what Hoffman is saying is factually incorrect, and "he knows better than that". He says Hoffman is going about this wrong.

[audio:102814hoffmantalks4.mp3] [/audio]

Surrounding communities and counties have voiced and their opposition, but Redman points out the surrounding communities had nothing to lose, but DeWitt County had nearly a million-and-a-half dollars in host fees to lose.

[audio:102814hoffmantalks5.mp3] [/audio]

Redman boils the upcoming election down to two things. He says if residents think anything positive has been done in the County in the last two years, to "heed Terry's advice", but if residents think nothing has been done, they should support the Better Government For DeWitt County candidates.

The Rangers scored five times in the third period to grab a 5-4 win over the Wild from Madison Square Garden. Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello [[ matts zoo-cuh-RELL-oh ]] each had a goal and two assists for New York, which was down 3-0 after two periods. Kevin Klein, Rick Nash and Anthony Duclair also scored for the Blueshirts while Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves. New York has won four of five. Nate Prosser, Matt Cooke and Jason Pominville [[ PAH-min-ville ]] helped Minnesota build a lead in the middle frame while Jason Zucker also scored in defeat. Darcy Kuemper [[ KEM-per ]] stopped 15 shots as the Wild saw a two-game win streak end.

(Grapevine, TX) -- The College Football Playoff selection committee met for the first time Monday in Texas, debating about the top teams in the country. The 12-member panel did not determine a top-four, but will reveal the first top-25 rankings on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. ESPN will air a special to reveal the teams. It will mark the first of seven public rankings for the committee, with the final reveal set for December 7th. That will set up the semifinal matchups to be played on January 1st at the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. The title game will take place January 12th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

>>Auburn, Cal Agree To Home-And-Home Series

(Undated) -- Auburn and California will meet on the gridiron in 2019 and 2020. Cal announced the meetings on Monday. The Golden Bears take a trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 21st, 2019, and host the Tigers September 20th, 2020. This will be the first time the schools face off. There are two non-conference games yet to be scheduled in 2019 while Cal also plays TCU in 2020.

>>Police Investigating FSU RB Williams

(Undated) -- The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating Florida State running back Karlos Williams. The police posted a statement on Facebook saying Williams is the center of an alleged domestic battery incident. The senior running back has 378 yards and seven touchdowns for the Seminoles. Head coach Jimbo Fisher said last week that reports of a Williams suspension for violating team rules are not true.

>>Ohio State QB Barrett Injured

(Columbus, OH) -- Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett is dealing with a sprained MCL. Head coach Urban Meyer says he will be limited in practice. The Buckeyes are preparing for a showdown with Illinois on Saturday. He labored through an ugly win over Penn State on Saturday. The Buckeyes were up 17 points and needed double overtime to beat the Nittany Lions. Barrett was only 12-of-19 for 74 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the game. He did rush for two scores, including the game-winner.

>>Ole Miss Loses LB Nkemdiche For Season

(Oxford, MS) -- Ole Miss is losing key defensive player Denzel Nkemdiche [[ kem-dee-chee ]] for the rest of the season. ESPN reports the redshirt junior linebacker suffered a broken ankle and had surgery on Sunday. He hurt the ankle in the first quarter in Saturday's 10-7 loss to LSU. Ole Miss leads the nation in scoring defense. The Rebels dropped to 7-and-1 overall in the setback and 4-and-1 in the SEC.

>>Alabama Pays For Saban's Home

(Birmingham, AL) -- The Crimson Tide Foundation is helping head football coach Nick Saban pay off his house. AL.com reports boosters purchased his home 10 weeks after Alabama won the BCS National Championship in January of 2013. They paid over three-million-dollars. Assistant secretary of the foundation Scott Phelps told AL.com the university owned homes of legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. The Saban family still lives in the home that they purchased in 2007. Saban makes around seven-million-dollars per year.

(Undated) -- The NBA regular season begins Tuesday night with three games on the schedule. The reigning champion San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center. The New Orleans Pelicans welcome in the Orlando Magic, and the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Houston Rockets. The Indiana Pacers will start their season without All-Star forward Paul George on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. That's one of 12 games on tap Wednesday. LeBron James makes his return with the Cleveland Cavaliers under new head coach David Blatt on Thursday against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks.

>>Pacers To Be Without West, Hill, Watson

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Paul George won't be the only player missing opening night for the Indiana Pacers. Guards C.J. Watson and George Hill and forward David West are also out for Indiana on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. George is recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the offseason while playing with Team USA. Hill is out three weeks with a knee contusion, Watson is out two weeks with a bruised foot and West is sidelined three games due to a sprained ankle.

>>Ex Hawk Blaylock Gets 15 Years

(Undated) -- Ex Atlanta Hawks player Daron "Mookie" Blaylock is pleading guilty to vehicular homicide. He was sentenced to 15 years, but the 47-year-old will only serve three years in prison. Blaylock was involved in a collision in May of 2013 that left a mother dead. The "Journal-Constitution" says the plea deal is seven years in prison and eight on probation, and Blaylock's sentence will be suspended after three years. He is expected to complete 15-hundred hours of community service and receive treatment for alcoholism twice weekly.

(Arlington, TX) -- Kai Forbath booted a 40-yard field goal in overtime and the Redskins defense held on to give Washington a 20-17 win over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Colt McCoy threw for 299 yards with an interception and ran for a touchdown as the 'Skins improved to 3-and-5 on the season. DeSean Jackson made six catches for 136 yards while Alfred Morris ran for 73 yards and a TD in the win. Tony Romo threw for 209 yards and a touchdown in defeat and left the game in the third quarter with an apparent back injury. He returned late in the fourth and played through overtime. DeMarco Murray ran for 141 yards and made four catches for 80 yards as Dallas fell to 6-and-2. Jason Witten finished with 70 yards and a touchdown receiving while Dez Bryant made three catches for 30 yards and a score in defeat.

>>Rams Wideout Quick Done For The Year

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Rams will play the remainder of the season without wide receiver Brian Quick. ESPN reports Quick is done for the year with a dislocated shoulder and torn rotator cuff. He was leading the team with 375 receiving yards this season. Quick joins quarterback Sam Bradford and left tackle Jake Long as players that are on the shelf after suffering season-ending injuries.

>>Rams Lose Long To Torn ACL

(Earth City, MO) -- The Rams are losing a key piece to their offensive line. ESPN reports the team will be without offensive tackle Jake Long for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. An MRI revealed the injury after Long left Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

>>Jets Turn To Vick At QB

(Undated) -- The New York Jets are making a change at quarterback. Head coach Rex Ryan says the team will start Michael Vick at QB instead of Geno Smith. Smith has seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his second season out of West Virginia. Vick has 200 yards and an interception this season as the backup. The Jets play the Chiefs on Sunday.

>>Lions DT Fairley Sprains PCL, MCL

(Undated) -- The Detroit Lions are getting some bad news after Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons in London. ESPN Chicago reports defensive tackle Nick Fairley sprained his PCL and MCL. He's expected to miss four to five weeks. Fairley has 14 tackles and a sack this season.

>>Ravens CB Smith To Miss A Few Weeks

(Owings Mills, MD) -- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith will miss the next few weeks due to a sprained foot. Smith was carted off the field on Sunday as the Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens will likely turn to corner Dominique Franks, who was signed after Asa Jackson was placed on injured reserve.

>>Giants' Beason To Have Season-Ending Surgery

(East Rutherford, NJ) -- New York Giants linebacker Jon Beason will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a toe injury. Beason told reporters he has been playing without a crucial ligament in his big toe. He suffered the injury in the offseason. The 29-year-old had 11 tackles in four games this season for the G-Men.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny says he's stunned by the death of 22-year-old outfielder Oscar Taveras in a car accident and his players are struggling with deep anguish after losing their young teammate.

Matheny says he was asked to comment last night but couldn't because he was too grief-stricken.

Taveras and an 18-year-old woman were killed Sunday afternoon in a crash in his native Dominican Republic

Matheny says the team had forged deep ties and affection for Taveras, who debuted in the majors this past season and batted .239 in 80 games with three home runs and 22 RBI.

Several Cardinals players have expressed their sadness on Twitter.

Giants outfielder Juan Perez heard about Taveras' death during Game 5 of the World Series. He hit a two-run double in the eighth inning of San Francisco's 5-0 victory and dedicated the hit to his fallen countryman.

>>Royals Host Giants For Game Six

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals are facing elimination Tuesday as they host the San Francisco Giants in Game Six of the World Series. The Giants are up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series after a 5-0 win over KC in Game Five on Sunday from AT&T Park. A win would give the Giants their third World Series title in the last five seasons. San Francisco was up 3-2 in the 2002 World Series as well but ended up losing in seven games. The Royals are trying to force a Game Seven, which would be on Wednesday night. KC has one title under its belt in 1985. First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 8:07 p.m.

>>Rays Deny Talks Of Montreal Move

(St. Petersburg, FL) -- The Tampa Bay Rays say any report that the club has been talking to other cities about a move is pure fiction. A weekend report said Rays' owner Stuart Steinberg was in talks about relocating the team to Montreal. The team released a statement saying they are committed to the Tampa Bay region and are doing everything they can to stay. The statement said the team has not spoken with representatives from any city, including Tampa, about a move.

>>Braves Add Seitzer As Hitting Coach

(Atlanta, GA) -- The Atlanta Braves have a new hitting coach in place. The Braves have hired Kevin Seitzer [[ SITE-zer ]] for the position, while Jose Castro will be the assistant hitting coach. The 52-year-old was the hitting coach with Toronto last season. Greg Walker resigned from his post with Atlanta at the end of this past season. Seitzer was also a hitting coach with Arizona and Kansas City.

Three teams in the top eight of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Coaches Poll last week fell to unranked teams, which aided Illinois State (7-0, 4-0 MVFC) in moving up three spots to No. 6 in this week's poll following the Redbirds 21-7 defeat of Missouri State last weekend.

ISU's No. 6 ranking in the FCS Coaches Poll is the highest for the Redbirds since 2006, when they were also ranked sixth before heading to Northern Iowa, where they suffered a 38-27 defeat in the regular-season finale.

The Redbirds remain as one of four undefeated teams remaining in the Top 25 polls, alongside North Dakota State (8-0), Coastal Carolina (8-0) and Harvard (6-0). In addition to its move up the FCS Coaches Poll, ISU also moved up a pair of spots to No. 7 overall in The Sports Network FCS Top 25 Monday.

>>ISU QB Named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week

For the third-consecutive week, Illinois State junior quarterback Tre Roberson led the Redbirds to a come-from-behind win in the fourth quarter to help his team earn a 21-7 victory over Missouri State. For his efforts, Roberson was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week by the league office Sunday.

The MVFC Newcomer of the Week honor is the second for Roberson this season. He previously earned the award following his performance in the Redbirds' win over South Dakota State on Oct. 5. Roberson completed seven passes for 168 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but also rushed for a school-record breaking 151 yards on the ground against the Jackrabbits.

The transfer from Indiana finished the game 11-of-18 with 169 yards and two touchdowns through the air and rushed for 85 yards and another score against the Bears to help ISU improve to 7-0 for the first time since 1932.

Illinois senior punter Justin DuVernois was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after helping the Illini to a 28-24 win over No. 24 Minnesota on Saturday. It is the third weekly honor of the 2014 season for Illinois players after Wes Lunt was named co-Offensive Player of the Week and Mike Dudek Freshman of the Week on Sept. 8. It marks DuVernois' second career weekly honor from the Big Ten, as he also was named Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 16, 2013.

DuVernois was a key factor in Illinois' upset of the Golden Gophers, helping give the Fighting Illini a nine-yard advantage in average starting field position by posting a 48.7 yard-per-punt average on nine boots, including two 61-yard punts and four over 50 yards. He had four punts downed inside Minnesota's 20 yard line, including two downed inside the 10.

DuVernois is having a stellar senior season, averaging 45.8 yards per punt through eight games, which leads the Big Ten, ranks seventh in the nation and is ahead of Steve Weatherford's single-season school record of 45.4. DuVernois is currently tied for second on the UI career punting average list (41.7 ypp) behind only Weatherford's 43.5 career average.

>>Lunt On The Mend, But Illini Continue With O'Toole

Illinois coach Tim Beckman says he expects to get starting quarterback Wes Lunt back from injury in time for the Nov. 15 game against Iowa.

That means the Illini (4-4, 1-3 Big Ten) may again use some version of the formula that backup quarterback Reilly O'Toole used in last Saturday's 28-24 win over Minnesota. Illinois faces No. 13 Ohio State (6-1, 3-0) on Saturday before getting a bye week ahead of the game against the Hawkeyes.

Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit told O'Toole he didn't need to be the strong-armed Lunt and pass Illinois to a win over Minnesota. Instead Cubit built a game plan that stressed O'Toole's running.

O'Toole carried the ball for 59 yards and a touchdown. He threw for 118 more and another touchdown.

It's the time of year where yard clean up becomes almost a never ending battle and the City of Clinton hopes to provide residents with a small amount of help in that battle.

The city on a yearly basis offers curbside leaf clean up service throughout the fall season. According to Steve Lobb, Public Works Director for the City of Clinton, as the leaves begin to fall, his crews become more and more engaged in getting the piles picked up across the city.

[audio:102914leafcleanup1.mp3] [/audio]

The street department breaks the city down into five separate zones. Lobb indicates though the challenge becomes getting to all the areas of the city on a scheduled time. He explains weather, volume and equipment maintenance can be factors in when crews get to a portion of the city.

[audio:102914leafcleanup2.mp3] [/audio]

Lobb indicates homeowners need to rake their leaves to the side streets and get them to the back of the curb line. He says where the leaves go is specific because if they are too far out in the street they become a driving hazard and if they are too far back, his crews cannot get to them.

[audio:102914leafcleanup3.mp3] [/audio]

Lobb indicates many residents prefer to bag their leaves and leave them by the curbs. He encourages that and notes the only way his crews can take those leaves is if they are in the paper bags.

He also encourages residents who do not want to wait for their leaves to be picked up and have the resources, to take them to the yardwaste facility. He says currently it is open all day Saturday's, and 4-6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Next week those hours will shift from 3-5 pm after the time change.

An Illinois Supreme Court justice seeking retention is again embroiled in a big-money campaign, this time with a group of plaintiffs' attorneys contributing more than $1 million in hopes of ousting him.

Voters in Illinois' 37 southernmost counties will decide Nov. 4 whether Republican Lloyd Karmeier keeps the Illinois Supreme Court seat he won in 2004. That was one of the nation's most-expensive judicial races. At least 60 percent of the voters must side with him if he's to win.

Several plaintiffs' attorneys and lawyers hope to unseat Karmeier. Their "Campaign for 2016" has collected more than $1 million and television commercials now airing in southern Illinois accuse the justice of being beholden to corporations.

Paul Misener is Amazon's vice president for global public policy. He says Illinois has the workforce and the deal has been in the works for some time. He told reporters Tuesday that the site selection process is underway with the Chicago area as a potential location.

Misener says it's the start of a long-term relationship with Illinois. Seattle-Amazon is the largest U.S. e-commerce retailer.

Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the $75 million project Tuesday, saying Illinois has the transportation infrastructure.

The facilities will be distribution centers, but could someday include sales or other operations. The first Illinois facility is expected to open in 2015.

The Chicago architectural firm behind the expensive and much criticized doorway renovations at the Illinois state Capitol has received a coveted award for the project's "divine" design.

The American Institute of Architects' Chicago chapter recognized Chicago architectural firm Vinci-Hamp at an awards program Friday night for three sets of copper-plated wooden entryways at the statehouse in the "divine detail" category.

Last year, critics panned the extravagance of the $50 million Capitol renovations in a state that faces serious financial difficulties, with Gov. Pat Quinn likening the project to the palace of Versailles and wondered about the need for such "excessive flourishes."

Vinci-Hamp partner Phil Hamp says the doors "are worthy of the government and the democracy" and worth the $670,000 they cost.

Illinois officials say a crackdown on gas station owners accused of evading state sales taxes has recovered more than $100 million.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office and the Illinois Department of Revenue have been part of a joint ongoing criminal enforcement operation. So far they say 50 gas station owners across Illinois have been charged. Of those owners, 40 have been convicted and some were imprisoned.

State officials say they started the effort to stop some gas station owners who they say were underreporting revenues to avoid paying taxes to the state.

A recently enacted law in Illinois established stronger penalties for businesses and retailers that evade sales tax bills. The law imposes graduated penalties based on the amount of sales taxes evaded.

No one disagrees that Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner has been financially successful in the private equity business.

But an important issue looming over his candidacy is whether he should take responsibility for things that went wrong at the companies his firm created, bought and sold - as Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn says he should.

Faced with questions about legal problems and bankruptcies, Rauner often distances himself or says he acted to correct problems. He says it "didn't happen much out of 400 companies."

Whether Rauner is responsible also divides those who've worked in or study the private equity industry.

The answer may depend on whether he served directly on the board that oversaw each of the companies, and, if he didn't, how much one would expect him to know.

The two candidates in the close race for Illinois governor have spoken at African-American churches in the Chicago area in an attempt to appeal to voters.

Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur) spoke Sunday at New Beginnings Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side while incumbent Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn spoke at Community Covenant Church in suburban Calumet Park.

Rauner, of Winnetka, told parishioners that he was there "to go to work for you." The wealthy businessman quoted the Bible, saying "to whom much has been given, much has been expected."

Quinn, meanwhile, continued to call for an increase in the minimum wage. He says no one who works 40 hours a week should have to live in poverty.

As more states legalize medical marijuana, there's one stage in the process nobody wants to talk about: the part where people still have to break the law.

While marijuana may not be hard to find, getting the first seeds for medical operations often involves either descending into the underground market or crossing state lines - a violation of state and federal laws.

The situation is known as the "immaculate conception" or the "first seed" problem. Those involved see it as an absurd consequence of the nation's patchwork of laws, with 23 states allowing medical marijuana sales, Colorado and Washington state allowing recreational use and a federal prohibition in place. Most state laws are silent on the issue, forcing officials into a "don't ask, don't tell" stance.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the state's Fertilizer and Chemical Association are urging farmers and fertilizer dealers to be safe when applying anhydrous ammonia to plants.

The fertilizer is essential to crop development but also can cause serious injury and harm to the environment when it isn't applied properly.

Department of Agriculture officials say inadequately managing ammonia hoses, failing to maintain safety devices and improperly securing tanks are among the leading causes of accidents. Officials say accidents can be prevented with proper equipment maintenance and transporting tanks no faster than 25 miles an hour on public roadways.

The Illinois Agronomy Handbook also recommends waiting until soil temperatures drop to 50 degrees at the 4-inch level and will continue to drop to apply ammonia.

The Champaign County Board has voted against using a 35-year-old Urbana jail as a correctional facility.

But officials say the facility, which is located across Main Street from the county courthouse, could be used as a possible sheriff's office.

According to reports, a consortium of local engineers and planners is working on developing a sheriff's operations master plan for the county that looks at the future of the downtown jail, as well as an east Urbana satellite jail and the sheriff's office.

The county board is expected to receive the completed master plan to review by early 2015.

Republican businessman Bruce Rauner has picked up three additional newspaper endorsements in his campaign for Illinois governor while incumbent Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has earned the endorsement of the Rockford Register Star.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register, The (Bloomington) Pantagraph and the (Decatur) Herald and Review on Sunday all endorsed Rauner in editorials.

The Bloomington, Decatur and Springfield newspapers cited Illinois' pension crisis, tax rates and employment rate in making the endorsements. The Springfield newspaper said Rauner's "growth-minded reforms" may be what Illinois needs to revive itself.

The Rockford newspaper says Quinn needs another term to sustain momentum made in falling unemployment and rising job creation.

Despite their shortfalls on the football field on almost a yearly basis, Lincoln High School's leader says a conference change is likely not in their future.

Conference realignment has become a recurring theme among schools big and small across the state as lesser competitive and smaller districts try to better set themselves up to compete on the gridiron. However, Lincoln High School, who just wrapped up it's second winless campaign in a row Friday night, is likely not to make a conference switch because according Superintendent Robert Bagby, football is about the only activity they have they are not competitive in in the Central State Eight.

[audio:102714lincolnconference1.mp3] [/audio]

Despite not being competitive in football, Bagby points to the football powerhouses that are currently in the Central State Eight. Rochester had won four straight state football championships, a first for any public high school. He also notes schools like Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin and Chatham Glenwood among a few others are annually playing deep into November in the football playoffs.

[audio:102714lincolnconference2.mp3] [/audio]

The Lincoln High School staff, coaches, administrators and school board members, have had discussions on a conference switch in the past, but Bagby says no vote was ever taken to leave the Central State Eight, and there was only one invite from another conference in Central Illinois. He says they have chosen to not base a conference switch on one sport.

[audio:102714lincolnconference3.mp3] [/audio]

Lincoln High School basketball a perennial power in central Illinois. Last year, the team finished second in the state of Illinois Class 3A. Volleyball is also a successful sport within the high school, having won a couple regional titles in the past five years.

Last Thursday afternoon, a local business teamed up with a Clinton non-profit group to raise funds for community youth.

Baum Chevrolet Buick and the Clinton Community YMCA teamed up last Thursday afternoon as the Chevy hosted one of their annual drives for youth sports. Baum Chevrolet Buick brought out a Chevy Malibu, a Chevy Colorado and a Chevy Camaro for anyone to test drive. According to Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Clinton Y, the proceeds from the test drive go to their youth soccer program.

[audio:102714ytestdrive1.mp3] [/audio]

Chase Daniels with Baum Chevrolet Buick indicates 40 test drives were taken between 4 and 6 pm Thursday. He was pleased with the turnout for the afternoon and thanks all those that came out to suppor the YMCA soccer program.

[audio:102714ytestdrive2.mp3] [/audio]

Lindsay Campbell, Business Development Director for Baum Chevrolet Buick indicates 40 test drives donated $25 per test drive for $1000, plus a $500 donation for a total of $1500 towards the Clinton YMCA Youth Soccer Program.

The holiday season is just around the corner which means the annual Clinton Christmas Parade planning is underway.

The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce is the organizer of the annual event that takes place in downtown Clinton. Marian Brisard, Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber, notes anyone can be a part of the parade, but they need to pre-register by November 5th.

[audio:102714xmasparade1.mp3] [/audio]

Each year as a part of the annual parade, a local citizen is recognized for their contributions to the community as the parade's grand marshall. According to Brisard, they are also taking recommendations for that person for 2014. She asks those making nominations expand on why they are nominating a certain individual.

[audio:102714xmasparade2.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday November 29th at 2pm. The deadline for registration is November 5th.

For anyone interested in entering the parade or making a nomination for grand marshall, you can go to www.clintonilchamber.com or call 217-935-3364.

Brent Seabrook scored the game-winner in the second period to help the Blackhawks beat the Senators 2-1 from the United Center. Jonathan Toews [[ Tayvz ]] also scored in the second for Chicago, which snapped a two-game slide. Scott Darling stopped 32 shots in his first NHL action. Milan Michalek [[ mih-LAHN mih-CALL-ick ]] scored for Ottawa, which has lost two straight. Craig Anderson halted 43 shots in the setback.

(New Orleans, LA) -- Drew Brees was 27-of-32 for 311 yards and three touchdowns as the Saints pounded the Packers 44-23 on Sunday Night Football at the Superdome. Tied 16-all at the half, New Orleans put up 21 straight points and outscored Green Bay 28-7 overall in the second half. Mark Ingram ran for 172 yards and a score, while rookie Brandin Cooks had six catches for 94 yards and a TD and also ran for a four-yard touchdown for the Saints, who improved to 3-and-4. Jimmy Graham added five grabs for 59 yards and a TD in the victory. Aaron Rodgers finished 28-of-39 for 418 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for the Packers, who had their four-game winning streak snapped and fell to 5-and-3 overall. Rodgers added a rushing touchdown, while Randall Cobb had five catches for 126 yards and a TD in defeat. Eddie Lacy racked up 182 total yards, 59 rushing and 123 receiving.

>>Patriots Destroy Bears

(Foxboro, MA) -- Tom Brady hooked up with Rob Gronkowski for three touchdowns as the Patriots rolled the Bears 51-23 at Gillette Stadium. Brady finished 30-of-35 for 354 yards and five touchdowns while Gronkowski hauled in nine passes for 149 yards. Brandon LaFell caught 11 balls for 124 yards and a score and Jonas Gray rushed for a team-best 86 yards. The Patriots improved to 6-and-2 with their fourth straight win. Chicago trailed 38-7 at halftime and lost its second straight contest to fall to 3-and-5. Jay Cutler turned the ball over twice but fired three touchdown passes in the loss. Matt Forte piled up 114 yards on the ground and added 54 receiving yards and a TD and Martellus Bennett had six grabs for 95 yards and a score.

>>Chiefs Blow Away Rams With Running Game

(Kansas City, MO) -- Jamaal Charles ran for 73 yards and two touchdowns as the Chiefs dropped the Rams 34-7 at Arrowhead Stadium. Knile Davis added 49 yards and a score on the ground for Kansas City, which ran for 143 yards as a team. Alex Smith threw for 226 yards and lost a fumble for KC, which improved to 4-and-3 with the win. Austin Davis was held to 160 yards on 15-of-25 passing with a touchdown and an interception for St. Louis. Tre Mason ran for 32 yards on seven carries as the Rams fell to 2-and-5.

>>Roethlisberger Leads Steelers Past Colts In Shootout

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- Ben Roethlisberger [[ ROTH-liss-ber-ger ]] tossed for a franchise record 522 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Steelers to a 51-34 win over the Colts at Heinz Field. Antonio Brown caught 10 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns while Martavis Bryant hauled in a pair of TDs. Heath Miller tallied 112 yards and found the end zone while Le'Veon Bell rushed for 92 yards and added 56 receiving yards for Pittsburgh, which improved to 5-and-3. Andrew Luck threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions, including a pick-six by William Gay. T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief both went over 100 yards receiving with a score, and Ahmad Bradshaw had 87 total yards and a touchdown. Indianapolis had its five-game winning streak snapped to fall to 5-and-3.

(Arlington, TX) -- NFC East rivals meet on "Monday Night Football" in "Big D" as the streaking Dallas Cowboys host the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. It's a matchup of first place against last place. The Cowboys are riding a six-game winning streak that has them atop the division at 6-and-1. Since throwing three picks in a season-opening loss at San Francisco, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo has 13 TD passes and just three interceptions in the last six games. The Cowboys' DeMarco Murray leads the NFL in rushing with 913 yards this season, nearly 150 more than his closest competitor. The Redskins snapped a four-game losing streak with a last-second, 19-17 win over the Titans last weekend. Washington is still in the NFC East basement at 2-and-5. Quarterback Colt McCoy will get the start this week after replacing an ineffective Kirk Cousins and leading the game-winning drive against Tennessee.

>>Report: Buccaneers Trying To Move Martin

(Undated) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are apparently looking to trade running back Doug Martin. ESPN reports that while wide receiver Vincent Jackson's name has been part of trade rumors, the team is more likely to deal Martin. The 25-year-old is a former first-round pick but is having a down season. The Bucs have until Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. Eastern deadline to trade him.

(San Francisco, CA) -- Madison Bumgarner kept the Royals quiet as the Giants rolled to a 5-0 win in Game Five of the World Series from AT&T Park. Bumgarner threw the first complete-game shutout in the Fall Classic since 2003. He struck out eight and allowed four hits to pick up his second win. Brandon Crawford knocked in three runs for San Francisco, which is up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence each scored twice in the win. James Shields allowed two runs in six innings for the loss. He also lost to Bumgarner in Game One of the World Series. Game Six is Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium.

>>Nearly Half Think Royals Will Still Win World Series

(Undated) -- The San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals are taking a day off as the World Series heads back to Missouri, and most people think the Royals will benefit from the trip back home. In a new ESPN SportsNation poll, 49-percent of respondents say Kansas City will win the Series in seven games, even though they're down three games to two after losing Sunday night's matchup in San Francisco. On the other hand, 19-percent think the Giants will win it all in seven games. And 32-percent are picking the Giants to wrap it up after Game Six on Tuesday and pick up their third World Series trophy in five years.

(Undated) -- St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras is dead at 22. According to the player's agent, Taveras and his girlfriend were killed Sunday afternoon in a car wreck in the Dominican Republic. Taveras just completed his rookie season. He played 80 regular season games and hit .239 with three homers and 22 RBI. Taveras had a homer and hit .429 in the postseason.

>>Baseball Reacts To Taveras Death

(Undated) -- Major League Baseball players and teams are taking to social media to express their condolences to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals lost young outfielder Oscar Taveras to a car wreck in the Dominican Republic on Sunday afternoon. He was 22-years-old. Team general manager John Mozeliak [[ moe-ZAY-lock ]] says he can't believe the news. Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Junior says they are stunned and saddened. The rival Chicago Cubs said, "Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Oscar Taveras." The Giants and Dodgers are among the many organizations sending out prayers following the accident. Cardinals players have also expressed their sympathy via Twitter.

>>Cubs Favored To Land Maddon

(Chicago, IL) -- Rumors are swirling around the Cubs and the possibility of Joe Maddon joining the club. Maddon opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays late last week. Many experts view the Cubs as the favorite to land the manager, despite them having Rick Renteria in place as skipper.

David Johnson rushed for 160 and two touchdowns to lead Northern Iowa to a 27-13 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday.

Brion Carnes added 239 through the air with one score, a 20-yard pass to Chad Owens midway through the second quarter. Kevin Vereen Jr. caught six passes for 84 yards to lead the Panthers in receiving.

Michael Schmadeke kicked two field goals for the Northern Iowa (4-4, 2-2 Missouri Valley) who opened the game on a 20-0 scoring streak before eventually taking a 27-7 lead late in the fourth.

Northern Iowa forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Max Busher and Deiondre' Hall.

Trenton Norvell led Western Illinois (3-6, 1-4) with 310 yards passing, including scoring strikes to Hi-C Scott and Quadarias Mireles of 32 and 44 yards, respectively.

Tre Roberson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as Illinois State remained undefeated with a 21-7 victory over Missouri State on Saturday night.

Illinois State (7-0, 4-0 Missouri Valley), opening a season with seven straight wins for the first time since 1932, remained tied atop the conference standings with top-ranked North Dakota State, the only MVFC team not on its schedule.

Trailing 7-6 in the fourth quarter, the Redbirds rallied behind Roberson, who ran 7 yards for a score and threw 2 yards to James O'Shaughnessy for another.

The ninth-ranked FCS Redbirds, averaging 42.2 points, were up only 6-0 at halftime on Roberson's 28-yard pass to Scott Kuehn.

The Bears (4-4, 1-3) took the lead with a 90-yard drive in the third quarter capped by Kierra Harris' 30-yard pass to Deion Holliman.

Illinois turned to its much-criticized defense Saturday for a late touchdown and a defensive stand that delivered a 28-24 win over Minnesota.

Illinois (4-4, 1-3 Big Ten) trailed 24-21 with 6:33 left in the game when linebacker T.J. Neal stripped the ball from running back David Cobb. Cornerback V'Angelo Bentley grabbed the ball at the Gopher 12 and ran it in for a touchdown.

Illinois then held the Gophers four times at the Illini 26 with less than two minutes to play.

Cobb finished with 118 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. But Illinois held him in check for almost three quarters.

The Illini defense came into the game giving up 484.6 yards and 35.9 points a game.

Illinois led 14-0 in the first quarter. But the Gophers (6-2, 3-1) put up 21 third-quarter points to take the lead.

The Washington fire chief who won state and national awards for his response to a 2013 tornado has announced his resignation.

Fire Chief Mike Vaughn made the announcement Thursday night after he spoke with volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the Washington Fire Department. His resignation is effective Nov. 1, the day after a 90-day extension to his contract expires.

Vaughn had been trying to negotiate a new contract with the board that oversees the department since his previous contract expired at the end of July. He says the board wanted to reduce his salary from $80,000 to $45,000.

Brian Barron, a board member who represents the fire department, says the resignation is devastating.

The 31st Annual Harvest of Talents in Lincoln opens their doors this morning.

The Harvest of Talents annually offers a wide variety of handmade items to purchase throughout the morning. Many food vendors will also be on hand in the Lincoln Christian Church parking lot on Harvest Day. According to Harvest of Talents Founder Pat Snyder, today is a great opportunity for folks to come enjoy themselves while helping others in need.

[audio:102514harvesttalents1.mp3] [/audio]

Harvest Chairman Carolyn Neal notes one of the highlights of the day will be the afternoon auction. She explains the most unique donated items will be available for bidding. One special item on the auction block this year will be a pot-bellied pig according to Neal.

[audio:102514harvesttalents2.mp3] [/audio]

All funds raised from this event will go to International Disaster Emergency Service(IDES) which will aid in the fight against world hunger.

Fresh baked Cinnamon and Carmel Pecan Rolls will also be on sale during the morning hours. Doors open for the Harvest of Talents at 7 am at Lincoln Christian Church.

Two local Businesses will be working to provide food for those in need this holiday season.

SERVPRO of Clinton, in conjunction with Douglas Dodge of Clinton, will be hosting a Holiday Food Driver to support local food pantries. Several local businesses will accept donations beginning today. The businesses include SERVPRO of Clinton, Douglas Dodge, IGA, Save-A-Lot and Wal-Mart. A special drive-up location will be set up Friday November 7, 2014 at Douglas Dodge from 7am - 5pm.

The Chase for the Sprint Cup is headed to Martinsville Speedway this Sunday for the start of the Eliminator Round. The finale eight drivers will race over the next three weeks for four spots in the finale at Homestead. Following this week, drivers go to Texas and Phoenix.

Duke Johnson accounted for 286 yards of total offense with two touchdowns to lead the Miami Hurricanes to a 30-6 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday.

Johnson rushed for 249 yards with a touchdown and also finished with 37 receiving yards and a score for Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC), which has won three of its last four.

Gus Edwards had 115 yards on the ground with two touchdowns and Brad Kaaya added a TD through the air in the win.

Marshawn Williams rushed for 100 yards on 21 carries for Virginia Tech (4-4, 1-3), which has lost two straight following a two-game winning streak.

>>Eastern Carolina Escapes UConn

Shane Carden threw for a season-high 445 yards with two touchdowns and No. 18 East Carolina held off upset-minded Connecticut with a 31-21 win on Thursday.

Carden, who had three straight games of 400-plus passing yards earlier this season, completed 38 passes on a career-high 64 attempts with one interception.

Breon Allen rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns to help the heavily-favored Pirates (6-1, 3-0 AAC) win their fifth straight game.

Justin Hardy recorded season highs with 14 receptions and 186 yards with a touchdown in the win.

Chandler Whitmer threw for 303 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while also recording a rushing score for the Huskies (1-6, 0-4), who have now lost five straight games and have yet to beat an FBS opponent this season.

>>Cal Hosts Top 10 Opponent, Oregon

The sixth-ranked Oregon Ducks will put the California Golden Bears to the test in a Pac-12 Conference clash at the brand new Levi's Stadium, home of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

After falling to Arizona (31-24) at the beginning of the month, Oregon has rallied with convincing wins over UCLA (42-30) and Washington (45-20). Last weekend's victory over the Huskies propelled the Ducks to No. 6 in the national rankings, and has many slotting them back into the College Football Playoff picture. They are also right in the mix for the Pac-12 title, with a 3-1 mark against league foes.

California is headed in the opposite direction, with losses in its last two games. The Golden Bears nearly upset UCLA last weekend, but fell short in a 36-34 final. It was a much better showing than the previous week, when they were routed, 31-7, by Washington at home. Cal is 4-3 overall, but only 2-3 in conference.

>>Syracuse Under NCAA Investigation

(Undated) -- The NCAA is investigating Syracuse University's men's basketball and football programs. ESPN reports the school allegedly provided extra benefits and had academic issues dating back 10 years. The university will go before the Committee on Infractions October 30th and 31st in Indianapolis. The report says no football allegations have occurred since 2009. The basketball program is facing allegations for about a two to three year time frame.

(San Francisco, CA) -- After a travel day on Thursday, the World Series shifts to San Francisco tonight for Game Three between the Royals and Giants at AT&T Park. The best-of-seven matchup is tied at a game apiece after the Royals took Game Two 7-2 on Wednesday in Kansas City. The Giants won the series opener 7-1 on Tuesday. Jeremy Guthrie is scheduled to start tonight for the Royals, while the Giants hand the ball to Tim Hudson. First pitch is set for 8:07 p.m. Eastern. The Giants are trying for their third World Series title in the last five seasons. The Royals are seeking their second championship, but first since 1985.

>>Royals, Dodgers Pace Gold Glove Finalists

(New York, NY) -- Finalists for Major League Baseball's Gold Glove Awards are out. Three players have been named as finalists at each position in each league. The Kansas City Royals pace the American League with four finalists, left fielder Alex Gordon, shortstop Alcides Escobar, first baseman Eric Hosmer [[ HOZZ-mer ]] and catcher Salvador Perez. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the National League with four finalists, pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke [[ GRAIN-kee ]], first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and third baseman Juan Uribe [[ yoo-REE-bay ]]. St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier [[ YAH-dee-air ]] Molina leads this year's finalists with six career Gold Gloves to his credit already. The winners will be announced November 4th.

>>Gold Glove Finalists Named

(Undated) -- Rawlings has named its finalists for the 2014 Gold Glove awards. There are three players at each position. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez and center fielder Adam Eaton represent the White Sox. The winners will be announced November 4th.

>>Cardinals' Wainwright, Molina Gold Glove Finalists

(New York, NY) -- The Cardinals have two players named as finalists for Gold Glove Awards this season. Pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier [[ YAH-dee-air ]] Molina are among three players picked at each position in each league. The winners will be announced on November 4th.

>>Braves Name Hart President Of Baseball Operations

(Atlanta, GA) -- John Hart is the new president of baseball operations for the Atlanta Braves. He took over as interim general manager on September 22nd when Frank Wren was fired after the Braves were eliminated from playoff contention. At the time, Hart was not interested in a full-time position as head of the club's baseball department, but has now signed on for three years in a newly created position. The deal runs through 2017, when the Braves are expected to move into their new stadium -- Sun Trust Park. Hart joined the Braves last November as a senior advisor and had also been working as an analyst for MLB Network.

>>Mets Name Kevin Long Hitting Coach

(Flushing, NY) -- Kevin Long is the new hitting coach of the New York Mets. He heads across town to join the Mets after being dismissed as hitting coach of the Yankees after eight seasons. Long takes over for Lamar Johnson, who replaced the fired Dave Hudgens in May. The Mets hit just .239 as a team this past season, the third-worst mark among National League clubs. The Mets also named Dustin Clarke their strength and conditioning coach.

(Nashville, TN) -- James Neal recorded his fifth-career hat trick to lead the Predators past the Blackhawks 3-2 at Bridgestone Arena. Filip Forsberg recorded two assists and Pekka Rinne [[ PECK-uh REE-nay ]] made 30 saves for the Preds, who improved to 5-0-and-2 on the season. Andrew Shaw and Ben Smith scored for Chicago, which slipped to 4-1-and-1. Antti Raanta [[ AHN-tee RAHN-tuh ]] allowed all three goals on 27 shots in defeat.

>>Canucks Top Blues

(St. Louis, MO) -- Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots against his former team to carry the Canucks to a 4-1 win over the Blues in St. Louis. Chris Higgins and Nick Bonino each had a goal and an assist for Vancouver, which snapped a two-game skid. Linden Vey and Jannik Hansen also scored in the decisive three-goal third period. Kevin Shattenkirk scored for St. Louis, which has alternated wins and losses to open the season. Jake Allen allowed three goals on 22 shots in defeat.

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler insists receiver Brandon Marshall did not single out him or anyone else during his outburst following the loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Cutler says Marshall "didn't come near me" and did not "say my name." He adds that the star receiver did not attack anyone personally with "what he was saying."

Cutler's comments Thursday came on the heels of a 27-14 loss at Soldier Field that raised all sorts of questions about the direction of the team.

Reporters standing in the hallway after the game overheard Marshall screaming in the locker room, part of an emotional postgame scene.

>>Bears Look To Continue Road Success Against Patriots

(Foxboro, MA) -- The Chicago Bears look to maintain their road success this Sunday when they play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Bears are 3-and-1 on the road this season with wins over the 49ers, Jets and Falcons. Chicago is 0-and-3 at home, however, after last Sunday's 27-14 setback to the Dolphins. Quarterback Jay Cutler was intercepted once and also fumbled three times, losing one in the loss. The Patriots blocked a late field goal try to hold off the Jets 27-25 in last week's Thursday night game. New England has won three in-a-row and five of its last six games to lead the AFC East at 5-and-2.

>>Bears Injury Report

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears continue to prepare for the Patriots on Sunday. Chicago was without Jared Allen, Danny McCray and Chris Williams at practice on Thursday. Kyle Fuller was limited after missing practice on Wednesday. Linebackers Jonathan Bostic and Lance Briggs were limited for the second straight day.

>>Packers Play Saints On "Sunday Night Football"

(New Orleans, LA) -- The Green Bay Packers take a four-game winning streak to the Superdome Sunday night to go up against the New Orleans Saints. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns as the Packers pummeled the Panthers 38-17 at home last weekend. Rodgers has thrown 18 TDs this season and just one interception for Green Bay, which is tied with Detroit for the NFC North lead at 5-and-2. The Saints gave up a pair of touchdowns in the final four minutes in a 24-23 loss at Detroit in Week Seven. New Orleans is winless on the road at 0-and-4, but has won both of its home games against the Vikings and Bucs.

>>Rams, Chiefs Clash For Governor's Cup

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Missouri Governor's Cup is on the line Sunday as the St. Louis Rams clash with the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Rams snapped a three-game skid with a 28-26 home win over the Seahawks last Sunday. St. Louis executed a misdirection trick punt return and a fake punt to upset the defending Super Bowl champs and improve to 2-and-4. This is the first of three straight road games for the Rams. The Chiefs came off their bye and beat the Chargers 23-20 last Sunday in San Diego. It was the third win in four games for Kansas City, which is back at .500 on the season at 3-and-3.

>>Broncos Cruise Past Chargers

(Denver, CO) -- Peyton Manning threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns to Emmanuel Sanders as the Broncos cruised past the Chargers 35-21 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Sanders ended with nine catches for 120 yards, while Juwan Thompson had a pair of rushing scores for the Broncos, who lead the AFC at 6-and-1. Ronnie Hillman added 109 yards on 20 carries in the victory. Philip Rivers finished 30-of-41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions for San Diego, which slipped to 5-and-3 with its second straight loss. Antonio Gates had a pair of TD catches and Keenan Allen had nine grabs for 73 yards and a score in the setback.

Thanks to a thrilling 37-34 come-from-behind victory last week at Western Illinois, No. 9 Illinois State (6-0, 3-0 MVFC) remained undefeated on the season and came away 2-0 from a tough road swing. The Redbirds return home to Hancock Stadium Saturday, but the task will be tough as they host Missouri State (4-3, 1-2 MVFC) under the lights at 6 p.m.

Missouri State quarterback Kierra Harris matched a career-high with three touchdown passes and rushed for another to lead the Bears' offensive attack against South Dakota. Harris has thrown for 1,223 yards and 14 touchdowns, and added 445 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground this season.

After taking a 10-7 lead with 12:02 to play in the opening half, Illinois State allowed 34 unanswered points to the Bears and committed a season-high five turnovers in a 37-10 loss in the Redbirds' MVFC opener in Springfield, Missouri. The Redbird offense tallied a season-low 214 yards of total offense, including just 46 rush yards on 31 carries in the road defeat. The Redbirds will look to rebound from last year's debacle at home.

Coming off a bye last week, Illinois should be well-rested as they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers for Homecoming.

Prior to the week off, the Fighting Illini suffered their third straight loss, a 38-28 setback to Wisconsin in Madison. They are still searching for their first win in conference play.

Minnesota has won the last three meetings with Illinois, and leads the all-time series, 35-28-3.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will try to strengthen their postseason positioning on Saturday afternoon in a Big Ten Conference road tilt with Illinois at Memorial Stadium.

Minnesota continues to rely heavily on the ground game, and not much else. The team ranks No. 25 in the nation in rushing offense (222.4 ypg), but only 109th in total offense (348.7 ypg). David Cobb is fifth in the nation in rushing with 144.7 ypg, and he ran for 194 yards and a touchdown in the win over Purdue. Mitch Leidner threw for 165 yards and two TDs, and he also ran for 84 yards and a score. Leidner has completed only 54.1 percent of his passes on the season.

Defensively, the Illini are giving up an average of 36 ppg and an unsightly 271.1 ypg on the ground, which ranks 122nd nationally. Last week, they were gashed for 401 yards (8.5 ypc) and five scores on the ground by Wisconsin's top-ranked rushing attack.

With Minnesota's capable ground game on tap, the unit must quickly regroup and find a way to clog up some running lanes, or it could be a long day.

Minnesota moved into sole possession of first place in the Big Ten West Division, and claimed its first 3-0 start in conference play since 1990, with last week's 39-38 comeback win over Purdue.

Tonight concludes the 2014 regular season for high school football and several area teams will try to improve their seeding in the playoffs, while others will try to get that fifth win to qualify for the postseason, and others will put the bow in their 2014 campaigns.

Two such teams that conclude their 2014 season's and will miss the playoffs are Clinton and Cerro Gordo Bement.

At 3-5, the Maroons will finish their season on the road at Sullivan tonight. The Redskins will look to finish one of their best season's in recent memory. They are at 7-1 and are looking to go to 8-1 and secure a good position for the playoffs. Tonight's game gets underway at 7 pm and can be heard on 92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

The Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos will conclude their season at Maroa-Forsyth. After a slow start, the Trojans are at 5-3 and are looking to improve their playoff seeding. The Broncos will miss the playoffs for the first time in four seasons under the Cerro Gordo, Bement and DeLand-Weldon merger. Tonight's game can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Also, tune in to coverage of the playoff seedings Saturday night at 7 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Seedings will be released at 8 pm and we'll hear from coaches such as Maroa-Forsyth head coach Josh Jostes, LeRoy Head Coach BJ Zeleznik, Monticello Head Coach Cully Welter and many more.

Other games across the area tonight include...

Central Illinois

Decatur St. Teresa at Warrensburg-LathamCentral A & M at ShelbyvilleTuscola at Meridian

Heart of Illinois

Ridgeview at LeRoyEl Paso-Gridley at HeyworthFlanagan-Cornell-Cornell-Woodland at TremontGibson City-Melvin-Sibley at FisherLexington at Dee-Mack

Big Twelve

Bloomington at Champaign CentralChampaign Centennia at Normal WestUrbana at Danville

Canton at DunlapEast Peoria at MetamoraMorton at WashingtonPekin at Limestone

Non-Conference matchups in Week 9

Arcola at Oakland Tri-CountyArthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond at Toledo CumberlandBismarck-Henning at Villa GroveBloomington Central Catholic at MacombCahokia at Normal U-HighChampaign St. Thomas More at Paxton-Buckley-LodaTri-Valley at PalestineDwight at Argenta-OreanaFairbury Prairie Central at St. Joseph-OgdenMahomet-Seymour at EffinghamMartinsville at Niantic Sangamon ValleyMonmouth-Roseville at MonticelloNormal Community at Olympia FieldsOblong at Decatur LSAPeoria Manual at MolinePeoria Heights at Elmwood-BrimfieldQuincy at Peoria RichwoodsRock Island vs. Peoria Notre Dame at Peoria StadiumOlympia at RantoulTaylorville at Illinois Valley CentralTolono Unity at Illini West

For the Broncos, Dalton Groehler rushed nine times for fifty-nine yards. Chase McNamara carried sixteen times for ninety-four yards and a touchdown.

For the Trojans, Jack Hockaday rushed ten times for one hundred and six yards and three touchdowns. He also went to the air nine times and connected on seven for ninety-six yards and another touchdown. Logan Allsup carried four times for thirty-four yards and a touchdown. Chad Howell carried eleven times for seventy-nine yards and a touchdown.

Maroa-Forsyth improves to 6-3 and moves on to the playoffs while Cerro-Gordo falls to 3-6 to finish the season.

For the Maroons (3-6), Tanner White went 8-18 for 71 yards for a touchdown and interception. He also had 5 carries for 35 yards. Alec Cooley had 16 carries for 67 yards. Alex Wheat had 7 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. Eli Logue had a 39 yard touchdown catch.

For the Redskins (8-1), Nick Frerichs went 7-9 for 114 yards with 2 touchdowns. He also had 5 carries for 44 yards. Chanley Heykoop had 8 carries for 98 yards with 4 touchdowns.

The Maroons scored first leading the game, but the Redskins scored 40 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter. The Redskins had no turnovers.

Stay Tuned to The Big 1520 AM and 92.3 FM WHOW to listen to the upcoming Clinton Maroons basketball and Lady's Basketball season.

Police are investigating after thieves stole four cars from a southern Illinois dealership and led officers on a high-speed chase.

Police said Wednesday two Dodge Challengers, a Ford Mustang and a Ford Focus were taken from a Nashville dealership Tuesday. They say the thieves fled west on Interstate 64 toward St. Louis.

Authorities from at least seven agencies followed in a chase that they say reached "very high" speeds. They say one suspect was captured in O'Fallon after he pulled over in a Challenger and tried to flee on foot. An Illinois State Police spokesman says police dogs helped locate the man hiding in another car dealership lot.

He says another suspect pulled over near New Baden and fled on foot. He says at least one other suspect got away.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll comply with a court-ordered monitor to review hiring at his administration's Department of Transportation.

The Chicago Democrat spoke to reporters Thursday in Carbondale.

A federal judge ordered Wednesday that a monitor be appointed. In April, a Chicago anti-patronage attorney filed a motion asking for more oversight on IDOT hiring, which Quinn's attorneys said was unnecessary. The state's Office of Executive Inspector General also conducted an investigation showing hires were made without adhering to rules that prohibit political considerations.

Quinn says he made reforms afterward, adding Thursday that the court-appointed monitor should work with the OEIG.

The state has set up a new Ebola task force. Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says the task force will work to ensure everyone in Illinois receives timely and accurate information regarding any potential threat.

[audio:rddEbolaTask11.mp3] [/audio]

So far there haven't been any confirmed cases in Illinois, although at least a handful of people are under medical watch or voluntary quarantine. People who have questions about the Ebola virus can call the state's hotline at 800-889-3931.

Farmers are in the fields harvesting their crops and according to some experts, they're putting their lives in danger every day. There were more than 80-thousand-Ag related injuries across the U.S. last year, most involved the big machinery.

[audio:rddHarvest11.mp3] [/audio]

That's Bob Ahern, a farm specialist with the U of I extension. He says farmers are often exhausted from working long hours, which could be a hazard while they're in the field and many accidents even involved children.

[audio:rddHarvest21.mp3] [/audio]

Farmers are encouraged to rest as much as they can and be careful as they push through the harvest season, especially when kids are working with them.

A central Illinois man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for spraying oven cleaner on a 1-year-old boy and severely burning him.

According to reports, 24-year-old Cory Patterson was sentenced Wednesday in Macon County court after pleading guilty to aggravated battery to a child causing great bodily harm. Patterson originally told Decatur police the boy burned himself on hot water. He later admitted that he sprayed the boy's back with the substance in March.

Police say Patterson and the boy's mother took him to an area hospital about 14 hours after the incident. The boy had severe burns on his back, stomach and genitals.

The judge says the boy's age and Patterson's delay when taking him for treatment heightened the seriousness of the crime.

A Champaign woman who slashed a man's throat has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Reports indicate 39-year-old Nicole Jackson will have to spend at least 21 ½ years behind bars after being sentenced in Champaign County. A jury found her guilty in September of attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery in the attack on 32-year-old Andrew Procell.

Prosecutors say Jackson stole cash and a laptop computer after attacking Procell in May 2013 and said she hoped Procell would die.

Procell left his Champaign apartment but collapsed near the street because he was bleeding profusely. A passerby found him.

Prosecutors argued that Jackson's long criminal record called for a lengthy prison term.

Jackson's attorney asked for the minimum total of 12 years, noting that she suffers from mental illnesses.

A 19-year-old Peoria man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for robbing $270 from two acquaintances at gunpoint in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

According to reports, Seanquarius Ewing was sentenced this week after pleading guilty to two felony charges of armed robbery using a firearm.

Ewing robbed two men at an East Peoria Wal-Mart Supercenter in February. He offered to give them a ride home and pulled a handgun from his SUV's glove compartment once the men were in the backseat. One man handed over about $250 and the other gave up a $20 bill.

Ewing let them leave the vehicle unharmed but threatened to "shoot up their house" if they reported the crime.

The men called police anyway, and Ewing was inside the store when officers arrived.

The month of October has been dedicated to assisting families in stopping house fires.

National Fire Prevention Month is geared toward making homes prepared to combat any fire disaster during the colder months. Furnaces and filters should be inspected during the fall by a certified HVAC worker. It's also imperative for smoke alarms to be tested and re-charged. Carl Baker, Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, says families should also create evacuation plans for precaution.

[audio:102114fire1.mp3] [/audio]

Baker explains using kerosene heaters or generators can produce emissions that won't be pleasant in the house. Heating the home with the stove is also not a good idea.

[audio:102114fire2.mp3] [/audio]

Other tips from Baker include creating a safe place for wallets, medications and other needed items. He also recommends that families plan an evacuation meeting place that has a distance of at least the next-door neighbors' yard.

One of Lincoln's most popular annual events is celebrating its 31st anniversary this weekend.

The Harvest of Talents for World Hunger began at Lincoln Christian Church in 1983. Pat Snyder, Founder of the Harvest of Talents, was inspired to create an event where everyone could contribute some kind of talent to aid in the fight against starvation. The funds of the event are given to International Disaster Emergency Service annually who, then , distribute to where the money is most needed.

[audio:102414harvestsat1.mp3] [/audio]

Harvest of Talents Chairman, Carolyn Neal, explains IDES will make the tough decisions regarding the fund distribution. Over the past 30 years, money has been distributed to 26 countries around the world including the United States. Victims of last year's tornado in Washington will be supported through this year's total as well.

[audio:102414harvestsat2.mp3] [/audio]

Snyder and Neal add every dollar counts during the Harvest. One dollar can feed a child rice and beans for an entire day.

The Harvest of Talents will open its doors at 7am this Saturday, October 25th, at Lincoln Christian Church. Tune in tomorrow to learn about the events that take place during Harvest of Talents.

Last month, first year Principal of Clinton High School Jerry Wayne introduced a new program to his students.

Wayne feels there are many aspects to celebrating the achievements of students. He points to athletics and scholarships as ways students receive recognition, but to celebrate the students more regularly, Wayne is introducing a new "Student of the Month" program at the high school.

[audio:102414studentmonth1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Wayne, he has had many conversations with his staff about what they'd like to see as credentials for students to achieve "Student of the Month" status. He heard characteristics such as respect for all, a positive work ethic and involvement in the school.

[audio:102414studentmonth2.mp3] [/audio]

The teachers make the recommendations and there will be a student of the month for each class. Wayne indicates students can win the award more than once. He held off on making the announcement to the students to see how they do without knowledge of the award.

The freshmen student of the month was Kylie Patterson. According to Wayne, Kyli is the student that you want in your class. She is concerned about her academics and always willing to participate. Kyli is the type of student that keeps the class running smoothly but is typically overlooked for awards such as SoM. She isn't involved in every activity, she isn't going to boast about herself, but students like Kyli make classrooms a wonderful place to teach. Kyli is a quiet leader and wonderful role model. She has great attendance and is a true pleasure to have in class. Her notes and quality of work is very high and she consistently participates in class.

The sophomore class student of the month from September was Aaron Gamsby. Wayne indicates not only does Aaron have high marks in all of his classes, he takes a leadership role in those classes as well. Aaron is kind and respectful to not only his teachers but also his peers. In a classroom setting Aaron will be the first student to ask clarifying questions or to help other students if they are having difficulty with something. Aaron also shines in providing an exceptional model for behavior, as he is extremely focused and well-behaved. Also, he encourages other students to be respectful and well - behaved as well.

Sami Mitchell was the junior student of the month. Wayne says he could list all the positive attributes a 'Student of the Month' is supposed to have--her intelligence, her wit, her sense of humor, her common sense, her contribution and involvement in school and extra-curricular activities, her positive contributions in class--but I'm nominating her because of some other intangible quality she possesses: she makes me glad I'm a teacher. Miss Mitchell, when she comes to class, just seems to re-energize me as well as her classmates; perhaps it's because she is always upbeat, always smiling, always looking at the glass FULL! She will go out of her way to help someone in need, take him or her under her wing, share what she knows in a completely non-condescending way. She is here to learn. Whatever is out there, she gobbles it up and then wants more.

And the senior student of the month was Sarah Williams. Wayne says Sarah is perhaps the kindest soul he know. She gets along with everyone and wants to make others happy. She also finds the time to be successful in everything she does!

State Senator Dave Luechtefeld is going to bat for a Supreme Court Justice who's under attack. He says a group known as "Campaign for 2016" will have a pretty big payday if they can get Justice Lloyd Karmeier off the bench.

[audio:rddCourt11.mp3] [/audio]

The "Campaign for 2016" has been running ads against Karmeier in southern Illinois, claiming he hasn't been fair and that he's been bought by businesses. They want people to vote "No" to retain Karmeier when they head to the polls on November 4th, but Luechtefeld says that would be a travesty. He says the "Campaign for 2016" has gotten at least half-a-million-dollars from lawyers connected to cases involving State Farm and tobacco giant Phillip Morris. Both have cases before the Court. Karmeier has sided against the company in previous rulings.

A man who's running for state representative says the voting machine he used at the Schaumburg Library cast the wrong ballot. Republican Jim Moynihan says he was disturbed by what he saw.

[audio:rddBadVote11.mp3] [/audio]

Moynihan was eventually able to cast a Republican ballot but it turns out the machine wasn't properly calibrated. He says he was notified about four hours later that it had been taken out of service. He's urging people to check, and check again, before hitting submit on the digital machines. Moynihan trying to unseat Representative Michelle Mussman in the 56th District.

Vice President Joe Biden is pressing for Illinois voters to rally behind Democrats during the approaching election, calling each vote crucial to advancing the party's progress in health care, education and women's rights.

The vice president headlined a rally Wednesday in suburban Vernon Hills in support of Democratic Congressman Brad Schneider, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Gov. Pat Quinn. Schneider is battling Republican Bob Dold to retain his 10th District seat.

Biden told hundreds packed into a community center that if Democrats lose numbers in the House it will bring the party's progress "to a screeching halt."

President Barack Obama was in Chicago on Sunday to help Quinn in his campaign against GOP challenger Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur). Quinn campaigned Tuesday with former President Bill Clinton.

An Iowa farmer says someone has stolen about $18,000 worth of soybeans from 18 acres on his farm in Illinois.

According to reports, Matt Schuster of La Motte, Iowa, says he is missing more than 1,600 bushels after someone took the crops in East Dubuque. He says he noticed the theft when he checked on the land over the weekend.

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Neighbors say they saw the crop being harvested but they thought Schuster had hired someone to combine the field.

Schuster says his crop insurance will cover the loss but he has to produce about 1,600 bushels of soybeans by Nov. 1 to meet a contract.

The publisher and editor of the Chicago Sun-Times has denied a former reporter's claims that the newspaper's owners improperly influenced newsroom decisions during the governor's race.

Dave McKinney was the paper's Springfield bureau chief. He resigned Wednesday, saying he was put on temporary leave after Republican Bruce Rauner's campaign accused him of a conflict of interest.

McKinney co-wrote a story about a lawsuit alleging Rauner threatened a former employee. Rauner's campaign called the story "irresponsible."

Publisher Jim Kirk says in a statement Wednesday that McKinney is "among the best" in the profession but his work was put on "pause" to ensure no conflicts of interest. Kirk says the paper's management respects journalistic integrity and never quashed a story.

Rauner is a former investor in the paper's parent company, Wrapports LLC.

A longtime political reporter for the "Chicago Sun-Times" is walking away from his job amid a potential scandal. Dave McKinney was recently suspended after breaking news that "Sun-Times" former part-owner Bruce Rauner once threatened to ruin a female executive with ties to his firm. Rauner's campaign team tried to stop the story from going to print, but the editors ran it anyway and said McKinney is an upstanding journalist. Even so, McKinney says he has serious doubts about the paper's commitment to journalism. He's hired former U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins to investigate whether Rauner tried to interfere with his employment.

Mount Zion has unveiled a new 15-foot-tall sign meant to welcome commuters driving along the highway to the village.

It's part of a year-long rebranding initiative launched by the Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. to reflect the area's growth in population, business and industry. The sign features the village's new brand and logo.

Reports indicate Mayor Don Robinson explains the new brand shows the village is growing and working to continue moving forward.

Different colors of the logo have been adopted by the village, chamber and EDC. Robinson says the logo shows the three groups are working toward the same goal in different ways.

The future of an Elkhart mine, along with more than 300 jobs, will remain unclear for at least another month.

The Logan County Board voted Tuesday to delay the decision on a zoning request for the Viper Mine. The issue will instead be addressed at the next meeting in mid-November. Logan County State's Attorney Jonathan Wright says he needs more time for research and may need to consult with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Arch Coal, the St. Louis-based company that runs Viper, says the mine will close if it can't rezone about 300 acres of farmland and use it for coal waste storage.

Reports indicate, many opponents want the mine to stay open but are worried about the environmental and health repercussions.

The Logan County Zoning Board of Appeals voted last month not to recommend the Viper proposal, bringing the decision to the full county board.

There are ten more Thursdays until Christmas, which means a local organization is already gearing up for this coming holiday season.

The DeWitt County Angel Tree Program is led by Sue Calvert, and each year, the organization aims to provide underprivileged youth in DeWitt County with a quality Christmas through donations from the community. Calvert indicates the Angel Tree program has held steady at approximately 500-600 kids.

[audio:102314angeltree1.mp3] [/audio]

Applications for the 2014 Angel Tree recipients is currently underway. According to Calvert, they strive to provide children with more than just toys and dolls. She explains they want to provide kids with shoes, coats, and other basic necessities they may not have.

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While the deadline may seem early, given next week is only the start of November, Calvert explains it takes their partners, mainly churches and business, several weeks to get all the kids adopted.

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The Angel Tree program is a national model for underprivileged children across the country, but Calvert feels the DeWitt County Program is unique the accountability. She explains they go through an extensive process to make sure there the needs of their applicants are real and to make sure they provide assistance to those most in need.

[audio:102314angeltree4.mp3] [/audio]

The deadline for the applications to be turned in is October 31. For further inquiries on the program or application process, contact Calvert via email at suecalvert13@gmail.com.

(Athens, GA) -- Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley is seeking reinstatement from his indefinite suspension for an alleged violation of NCAA rules. The junior has missed the last two games while the school conducted an investigation after reports he may have autographed memorabilia for cash. Gurley issued an apology on Wednesday, taking responsibility for the mistakes he's made and thanking the school, coaches, teammates and fans for their support. He was a top Heisman candidate after five games this season, rushing for 773 yards and eight touchdowns. Gurley also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score. The ninth-ranked Bulldogs have a bye this Saturday. They play Florida next Saturday at Jacksonville's EverBank Field.

>>Investigation Into Rape Claim Against UF QB Released

(Gainesville, FL) -- Police at the University of Florida are releasing their report into allegations that quarterback Treon Harris sexually assaulted a woman in a campus dorm. Harris was never arrested and the alleged victim dropped her claim. Included in the report is a text exchange between Harris and the woman. In one message, Harris told her, quote, "Don't tell nobody bout nothing." The woman claims she rejected Harris's advances several times but he says the sex was consensual. Harris will start for Florida in the November 1st game against Georgia.

>>Gators To Start Harris At QB Against Georgia

(Gainesville, FL) -- The Florida Gators are making a switch at quarterback. Head coach Will Muschamp announced that true freshman Treon Harris will start the team's next game a week from Saturday against ninth-ranked Georgia in Jacksonville. Fourth-year junior Jeff Driskel heads to the bench after throwing nine interceptions and losing two fumbles in the last four games. Florida is 3-and-3 overall and 2-and-3 in the SEC. Harris is 12-of-18 for 263 yards, three touchdowns and a pick in limited action this season. Earlier this month, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who later dropped her complaint.

(Undated) -- In their annual survey, NBA general managers believe the San Antonio Spurs will repeat as champions and LeBron James will win his fifth MVP award. League GMs responded to 56 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans and offseason moves. The Spurs are an overwhelming favorite, selected by over 46-percent of the GMs to win the franchise's sixth championship. With the return of James, Cleveland was selected at over 70-percent to oppose the Spurs in the Finals, but are only given a 15.4-percent chance to win it all. Milwaukee Bucks first-year forward and second-overall pick Jabari Parker is the front-runner to win the Rookie of the Year. He received 75-percent of the vote, while Minnesota Timberwolves swingman and top overall pick Andrew Wiggins is a distant second at less than 18-percent. Reigning NBA Coach of the Year Gregg Popovich was voted for best coach at almost 93-percent, while first-year Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins and the Chicago Bulls' Tom Thibodeau [[ THIB-uh-doe ]] were the only others to even receive votes.

>>NBA Owners Reject Draft Lottery Reform

(New York, NY) -- Despite an effort to reform the NBA Draft Lottery, the process will remain the same for at least the 2015 NBA Draft. Yahoo! Sports reports the league's board of governors failed to accumulate the required 23 votes needed to push the change through. League owners voted 17-to-13 in favor of the reform, six votes short. The proposed new process would discourage teams from tanking, or losing on-purpose to get better odds in the lottery. The reform would have given the league's four worst teams identical odds of receiving the top pick. Under the current system, team with the worst record has a 25-percent chance at the top pick, while the second-worst team has a nearly 20-percent chance. The league adopted its current lottery system in 1985.

(St. Louis, MO) --The Blues open a mini two-game homestand tonight against the Canucks. St. Louis was blanked by the Ducks, 3-0, on Sunday to fall to 2-2-and-1. Vancouver is 3-2-and-0.

>>Blackhawks' Crawford Out Next Two Games

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks will be without goalie Corey Crawford the next two games with an upper-body injury. He did not travel with the team for tonight's game against Nashville and will miss Saturday's contest at St. Louis.

>>Maple Leafs Game Canceled In Light of Events in Ottawa

Wednesday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre was postponed due to the tragic events that took place earlier this morning in downtown Ottawa. The NHL said the game will be played at a later date. The contest was called off due to the tragic events that took place Wednesday morning in downtown Ottawa. A Canadian soldier was shot and killed at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The soldier was standing guard at the memorial Wednesday morning, according to Ottawa police officials. According to Canadian television, the shooting at the memorial was one of three separate shootings in the heart of the nation's capital that forced Parliament Hill into lockdown.

(Undated) -- Rams quarterback Austin Davis has at least one big fan with Hall of Fame credentials. Retired QB Brett Favre [[ Farve ]] tells ESPN.com that he's impressed by Davis' play and feels he could be the next Tom Brady or Kurt Warner. Favre says, like many others, Davis just needed an opportunity.

>>Rams Promote McFadden From Practice Squad

(St. Louis, MO) -- Linebacker Marshall McFadden is now on the Rams' active roster. He's been promoted from the practice squad to fill the roster spot of wide receiver Austin Pettis, who was released earlier this week. Pettis went unclaimed on Tuesday. McFadden played four games with Oakland last year.

>>Bears Moving On From Rant

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears are moving on from a postgame locker room rant last Sunday. Head coach Marc Trestman said after practice on Wednesday that nothing lingers and they are moving forward. Receiver Brandon Marshall expressed his displeasure on Sunday after losing to his former team, the Dolphins.

>>Bears Injury Report

(Lake Forest, IL) -- A few players were not at practice for the Bears on Wednesday. Tight end Martellus Bennett was out with a hamstring injury while cornerback Kyle Fuller missed practice with a hand and hip issue. Safety Danny McCray is dealing with a knee problem. The Bears battle the Patriots on Sunday.

>>Wolf Named Pro Football HOF Finalist

(Canton, OH) -- Former Packers general manager Ron Wolf is one of two finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. Wolf as well as Bill Polian are candidates for the 2015 class under the newly-created contributors category. Wolf helped bring the Packers back to prominence in the 1990s, highlighted by back-to-back Super Bowl appearances during the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

>>Chargers, Broncos Battle For AFC West Lead

(Denver, CO) -- First place in the AFC West is on the line this week on "Thursday Night Football" as the San Diego Chargers take on the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chargers had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 23-20 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. San Diego is now 5-and-2 on the season, a half-game behind 5-and-1 Denver. The Broncos blasted the 49ers 42-17 on Sunday night. Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes in that game to reach 510 for his career and break the previous NFL record of 508 set by Brett Favre [[ Farve ]]. The Broncos and Chargers split their two regular-season meetings last year, with each winning on the road. Denver then beat San Diego at home in the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.

>>Mettenberger To Start For Titans

(Nashville, TN) -- The Tennessee Titans are making a switch at quarterback. The "Tennessean" reports the team will start rookie Zach Mettenberger under center on Sunday against the Houston Texans. The Titans have been going with Charlie Whitehurst in place of the injured Jake Locker. Whitehurst has five touchdowns to go with two interceptions and two fumbles in four games this season. Mettenberger was drafted in the sixth round out of LSU.

>>Roger Goodell Forced To Testify In Ray Rice Hearing

(New York, NY) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will testify at former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice's suspension appeal hearing. ESPN.com reports Goodell is being forced to testify at the hearing that will be heard November 5th and 6th. Rice was suspended indefinitely September 8th for violating the league's personal conduct policy after a video of Rice hitting his then-fiancee in an elevator was released to the public. Rice was originally banned two games, before the video surfaced. A U.S. District Judge will serve as the hearing's neutral arbiter. The Player's Union says Goodell and his staff's testimony are key to the appeal, and a key reason to have an outside arbiter.

>>Redskins' Griffin Closer, But Not Yet Cleared To Play

(Ashburn, VA) -- Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin the Third is getting closer to a return to the playing field. CSNWashington.com reports Griffin received a heavier workload in practice on Wednesday, but has not yet been cleared from his injured ankle to play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Jay Gruden has not ruled out "RG3" for the game, saying the decision will come down to the team doctors. Colt McCoy has been tabbed the starting quarterback if Griffin is unable to return. Griffin dislocated his right ankle in Week Two against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

>>Pouncey Brothers Won't Be Charged

(Miami, FL) -- There won't be any prosecution of the NFL's Pouncey brothers. The two were accused of roughing up a person inside the Cameo nightclub in South Beach over the summer. Prosecutors say they don't have enough evidence to charge Mike and Maurkice Pouncey. Mike Pouncey, who plays for the Dolphins, was not expected to face charges, but the accuser thought there was enough evidence to charge Maurkice, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The case could still go to civil court.

>>Judge Hearing Adrian Peterson Trial Not Removed

(Conroe, TX) -- The judge set to hear the child abuse case involving Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson is not going anywhere. During a recusal hearing yesterday in Tarrant County, Texas, a retired judge ruled that Judge Kelly Case will not be removed from the trial. The hearing took place after the Montgomery County District Attorney issued a motion to recuse Case. The prosecutor objects to the judge allegedly calling the attorneys involved in the case "media whores," and accuses Case of colluding with Peterson's lawyer. Peterson is being accused of abusing his four-year-old son earlier this year. A tentative start date for his trial is set for December 1st.

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals have evened up the World Series at one game apiece after a 7-2 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game Two at Kauffman Stadium. Billy Butler singled in the go-ahead run during a five-run sixth inning for KC. Salvador Perez added a two-run double and Omar Infante followed with a two-run homer to blow the game open. Kelvin Herrera picked up the win in relief of rookie Yordano Ventura, who tossed five-and-a-third innings of two-run ball. Gregor Blanco hit a solo homer to lead off the game and Brandon Belt doubled in the other run in the fourth for the Giants, who won Game One 7-1 on Tuesday. Jake Peavy gave up four runs in five-plus frames to suffer the loss. The series shifts to San Francisco for the next three games starting with Game Three on Friday at AT&T Park.

>>Holland, Kimbrel Win MLB Reliever Awards

(Kansas City, MO) -- Royals closer Greg Holland and Braves closer Craig Kimbrel are Major League Baseball's Relievers of the Year. Holland received the inaugural Mariano Rivera Award from commissioner-elect Rob Manfred before Game Two of the World Series last night for the American League. Kimbrel was presented with the Trevor Hoffman Award for the National League. Holland converted 46-of-48 save chances out of the Kansas City pen this season, while Kimbrel led the Senior Circuit with 47 saves. The awards were renamed this year in honor of Rivera and Hoffman, who rank first and second on baseball's all-time saves list.

Thanks to strong starts in helping Illinois State open the season with a 6-0 record, Redbird junior running back Marshaun Coprich and junior quarterback Tre Roberson were among 30 players named to the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy Watch List on Wednesday.

The list includes 24 quarterbacks and six running backs and four watch list members have previously earned CFPA honors, including 2013 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy winner Vernon Adams. Coprich and Roberson were two of seven players from the Missouri Valley Football Conference who made the list.

Also a member of the Walter Payton Award Watch List, Coprich has rushed for 844 yards and 12 touchdowns to help the Redbirds to a 6-0 start in 2014. He has rushed for 100 yards or more each contest for ISU and ranks second in the MVFC in rushing yards per game with 140.7, trailing only Zenner. His 12 rushing touchdowns lead the MVFC and rank second in the country behind Gus Johnson of Stephen F. Austin.

Roberson has been extremely efficient in his first season under center at Illinois State, following his transfer from Indiana. Roberson leads the MVFC in total offense at 254.8 yards per game, and passing efficiency with a mark of 161.9. He also ranks No. 1 in all of FCS football in passing yards per completion at 17.86, and his efficiency rating ranks him No. 6 overall. On the season, Roberson has completed 66-of-119 pass attempts (55.5 percent) and thrown for 1,179 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 350 yards and three scores on the ground.

One local car dealership will be assisting the local YMCA with test drives Thursday afternoon.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton will be showing their support for the Clinton YMCA's Youth Indoor Soccer Program during the event. Lindsey Watkins, Marketing Manager with Baum, explains their goal is five-hundred dollars with twenty-five being donated for every test drive. 3 vehicles will be available for the test drives in from of the Y.

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Watkins notes Chevrolet has helped to sponsor local youth programs in the past. She adds Baum always tries to keep the funds from these events local.

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Rob DeLeon, with the Clinton Y, explains they feel blessed to be able to partner with another business in the community on Thursday.

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The test drives will take place tomorrow from 4-6pm at the Clinton Community YMCA. You can hear live coverage of the event on both the Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and 95.9 WEZC beginning at 3pm.

Vice President Joe Biden is the latest political heavy weight to campaign in Illinois.

The vice president is expected to attend a rally in support of Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider on Wednesday. Schneider is in a race with Republican Bob Dold in Illinois' 10th congressional district.

Schneider narrowly bested Dold in 2012 and the rematch this year is both expensive and nationally-watched.

Schneider's campaign says the rally will be at a community center in the suburb of Vernon Hills.

Biden is one of many big-name, national politician to visit Illinois in recent days to campaign for Democratic candidates. President Barack Obama was in Chicago on Sunday to help Gov. Pat Quinn in his campaign against GOP challenger Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur). Quinn campaigned Tuesday with former President Bill Clinton.

When Halloween falls on a Friday in communities where high school football is king, it's time to reschedule the holiday.

Many U.S. cities and counties are moving their door-to-door rituals this year to avoid conflicts with the Friday night lights.

Martinsburg, West Virginia, city manager Mark Baldwin says local law enforcement agencies will be stretched thin by patrolling football games on Oct. 31. He says it made sense for the local trick-or-treat time to be moved to the next day.

Safety concerns prompted Lorain County, Ohio, to move its trick-or-treat date to Oct. 30. Virginia Haynes of the Lorain County Community Alliance says having it a day earlier will avoid traffic problems with Friday night football games.

State Rep Raymond Poe is scheduled to have a stem cell transplant to replace his bone marrow. He has a rare blood condition and has been receiving transfusions to offset his low-production of red blood cells. Poe has been struggling with the issue since last May. He'll be heading down to Houston, Texas for the procedure later this month. Poe will need to stay at the hospital for at least three weeks after the surgery. He'll also have a pretty extended recovery period. Poe's office will still be open while he's gone.

Three male students at SIU are on interim separation from the university. Officials say they may be behind a sexual assault that happened at Neely Hall on Sunday. The victim is not a student at SIU, and she reportedly knows the three men who are accused of the crime. This is the third sexual assault reported at SIU in just over a month. Six students were arrested in connection to the other two cases. Officials say they've increased police presence at residence halls hoping to deter crime.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis are set to meet for the first debate of the U.S. Senate race.

The candidates are scheduled to face off Wednesday at a debate sponsored by ABC 7, the League of Women Voters and Univision Chicago.

Oberweis is a dairy entrepreneur from Sugar Grove who was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012. He says Durbin has lost touch with Illinois voters since he first went to Washington more than three decades ago. Oberweis says he knows how to create jobs and improve the economy.

Durbin, of Springfield, is the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate. He's seeking his fourth U.S. Senate term.

Durbin says he's reaped billions of dollars of federal funds and other valuable benefits for Illinois.

A man convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two Springfield police officers in 1985 is getting out of prison next week.

Reports indicate the state Parole Board says 51-year-old Juan Ortiz is scheduled to be released Tuesday. The board voted 4-2 in January 2013 to grant parole to Ortiz after he expressed remorse and took responsibility. He's moving to Illinois, where he will be on parole for life, and subject to a return to prison in Massachusetts if he violates parole conditions.

Officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina were shot during a traffic stop. Ortiz's brother, Eduardo, was determined to be the gunman but Juan Ortiz was convicted under the state's joint venture law. Eduardo Ortiz killed himself hours after the shootings.

Douglas County authorities say at least one person has been hospitalized and a horse has been fatally injured after a crash involving a buggy and two other vehicles.

According to reports, Douglas County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Peter Buckley said Tuesday the accident happened Friday near Arthur. Buckley says a GMC truck swerved and it a Jeep, and one of the vehicles hit the horse-drawn buggy.

The buggy was flipped onto its roof with its wheels smashed. Buckley says the horse was mortally wounded and a veterinarian had to euthanize it.

Buckley says a person went to a hospital with injuries that weren't life-threatening. He says a ticket was issued to a 21-year-old Ashmore man for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

A central Illinois man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a girl in 2007.

According to reports, 41-year-old Hector Rosas of Rantoul entered the plea in Champaign County court to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. He faces six to 30 years in prison when he's sentenced in December.

Rosas admitted to assaulting a girl in 2007 who was about 10 years old at the time.

Assistant State's Attorney Troy Lozar dropped two other counts of sexual assault of the same girl in exchange for his plea. Lozar also agreed to dismiss four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in a separate case involving two girls in Champaign in 2011 and 2013.

Champaign and University of Illinois police are urging people to travel in pairs following a string of attacks on campus.

According to reports, Champaign Police Lt. Jim Clark said Monday the two departments are working together to implement crime prevention strategies. He says there have been 12 incidents of robbery and "mob action" around campus in the past two weeks.

Clark says police are deploying officers in plain clothes and uniforms to proactively monitor campus activity. They are partnering with the university's student patrol to watch areas where the crimes have occurred.

Police are investigating after a 22-year-old reported being pepper-sprayed and robbed in Champaign on Sunday.

Authorities charged an 18-year-old from Urbana with robbery after a 21-year-old reported being punched in the head and robbed Sunday.

With most of the 2014 fall sports seasons wrapped up already, the Clinton Board of Education Tuesday night took time to recognize those who stood out this past season.

The Clinton Junior High School Girls softball team were conference champions this year and head coach Mike Bleak explains they went undefeated in conference play and finished with an overall record of 13-3. He says the girls were easy to work with and deserved the recognition they received.

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A freshman in the high school ranks has set himself up for a big career in the high school's golf program. According to men's head golf coach, Randy Workman, Chase Reynolds had an outstanding season as just a freshman.

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Workman says the passion and hard work Reynolds displays is something they are trying to exemplify to his team, but also to the rest of the school. He feels Reynolds is a model of what can happen when you work hard.

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Payne Turney was also recognized by the Board of Education. Turney was an IESA state cross country qualifier for a second straight year.

In other news from the Tuesday Clinton Board of Education meeting...

>>The Board approved asbestos removal at the Washington and Webster Elementary buildings, to prepare them for demolition.

>>A review of the district's report card was presented by Superintendent Dr. Jeff Holmes. That report will appear on the district website this morning. We'll have more on this in the coming days on Regional Radio News.

After a 13-month investigation, the NCAA and Oklahoma State both report the allegations of widespread misconduct within the football program are "fundamentally unfounded." Last September, "Sports Illustrated" released a series that alleged the OSU football program was guilty of numerous major NCAA violations. ESPN.com reports through university documents that there were multiple inaccuracies in SI's report. Investigators from the university and NCAA reviewed about 50-thousand emails and interviewed nearly 100 individuals involved with the Cowboys' football program. Most of the allegations were alleged to have occurred during Les Miles' time as OSU head coach. At most, the investigation could lead to the loss of a scholarship or two for the next two years.

The Eliminator Round in the new Chase for the Sprint Cup championship begins this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, with the playoff field now trimmed to eight drivers.

NASCAR revised the playoff format for its premier series this year by including a number of elimination rounds to determine its champion. The Chase began with 16 drivers in the field, and then it was cut to 12 following the last race in the Challenger Round, held last month at Dover International Speedway.

While Brad Keselowski remained alive in the Chase by winning this past Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway -- the final event in the Contender Round -- Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jimmie Johnson, the six-time Sprint Cup Series champion, Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's most popular driver, and Kasey Kahne, as well as Kyle Busch from Joe Gibbs Racing have been eliminated from the playoffs.

Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Keselowski and Stewart-Haas Racing's Kevin Harvick each won a race during the Contender Round to automatically advance into the Eliminator Round, which includes the events at Martinsville (Sunday), Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 2) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 9).

JGR teammates Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman from Richard Childress Racing, Carl Edwards, in his final season with Roush Fenway Racing, and Jeff Gordon, a Hendrick driver and four-time series champion, accumulated enough points during the Contender Round to move on in the Chase.

(Trenton, NJ) -- The four major U.S. sports leagues and the NCAA are going to court to stop legalized sports gambling in New Jersey. The leagues and NCAA filed a motion for a temporary restraining order, which if granted would end a New Jersey racetrack's attempt at opening its sportsbook Sunday. State Governor Chris Christie signed a law on Friday that effectively repeals the state's ban on sports wagering. The judge in the case ordered the state to file its reply by Wednesday and the leagues to file a response to that reply by Thursday.

New Jersey says it can legally allow sports betting if it is not state-regulated. The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA argue that it would be state-regulated by virtue of the fact that it would be restricted to racetracks and casinos, which are regulated by the state. Only Nevada currently offers single-game betting.

>>Bucs' Bowers Suspended Two Games

(New York, NY) -- The NFL is suspending Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan [[ DAY-kwan ]] Bowers two games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Bowers won't be eligible to return until November 9th against Atlanta. The 24-year-old has recorded six tackles and one sack in five games this season. The 2011 second-round pick has posted 51 tackles and six-and-a-half sacks in 44 career games.

>>Bills Put Spiller On Short-Term IR

(Orchard Park, NY) -- Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller is on injured reserve with the designation to return. Spiller had surgery on Monday to repair a broken clavicle. In a corresponding move, the Bills have signed running back Phillip Tanner. Spiller was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday's 17-16 win over the Vikings. He came down hard on his left shoulder at the end of a 53-yard run, his lone carry of the game. Fellow running back Fred Jackson could miss up to a month with a groin injury. Tanner spent the last three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, totaling 56 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

>>Jets Ink Kerley To Four-Year Extension

(Florham Park, NJ) -- The New York Jets are locking up wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. They have signed the TCU product to a four-year contract extension. According to multiple reports, the deal is worth 16-million-dollars, with 5.4-million guaranteed. Kerley has 22 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown in seven games this season. In four seasons overall, he has 150 receptions for 1,865 yards and seven TD's.

>>McConaughey: Redskins Should Stick With Name

(Undated) -- Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey is standing on the side of Washington Redskins fans who don't want the team's name to change. In a recent interview with "GQ," the Texas native and Washington fan says he's interested in how quickly the controversy got "pushed into social consciousness." McConaughey questions why the NFL team's name is suddenly a big deal when "we were all fine with it since the 1930s," adding that he knows a lot of Native Americans who don't have a problem with the name but won't use their pulpit to say so. McConaughey says it won't hurt him if the team changes the logo but he would rather not see it go.

As for how the Texas-born actor became a fan of the Washington team, McConaughey traces it back to his love of Western movies and hamburgers when he was four years old. He says while watching Westerns as a kid, he always rooted for the Indians and his favorite food was hamburgers. At the time, the Redskins had a linebacker named Chris Hanburger. McConaughey says, "When you're four years old, that's all it takes."

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks scored three goals within two minutes and six seconds in the first period en route to a 4-0 shutout-victory over the Flyers at the United Center. Patrick Kane scored a pair of power play goals while Bryan Bickell [[ BICK-ull ]] and Brandon Saad [[ sod ]] also found the net. Antti Raanta [[ AHN-tee RAHN-tuh ]] stopped 32 shots for Chicago, which is 4-0-and-1 to start the season. Steve Mason stopped 39 shots in defeat. Philadelphia fell to 1-3-and-2 with the loss.

Madison Bumgarner tossed seven innings of one-run ball to lead the Giants in a 7-1 victory over the Royals in Game One of the World Series from Kauffman Stadium. Bumgarner allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out five and Hunter Pence hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run first inning. Pablo Sandoval also drove in two for San Francisco, which takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Salvador Perez broke up the shutout with a solo homer in the seventh for Kansas City. James Shields was tagged for five runs in three-plus innings and suffered the loss. KC will host Game Two on Wednesday.

The City of Clinton, and sections south of the city, went without power early Wednesday afternoon. Ameren customers lost power at 12:25 Wednesday afternoon. Power was restored to those who lost power, about an hour later at 1:25 in the afternoon. It's not known what caused Wednesday's Clinton power outage.

Democrats pushing for a higher minimum wage often point to fast food workers and others struggling to get by - some on as little as $7.25 per hour.

First, though, they're out to help themselves.

The party has put questions on the ballot in five states asking voters whether the minimum wage should be increased. It's part of an effort to motivate younger people and others in their base to vote on Nov. 4.

In Illinois, a non-binding question just asks voters their opinion and wouldn't actually raise the wage.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he urged party leaders to put it on the ballot because the issue is "a winner with everybody in our state."

The measures are found elsewhere with high-stakes races, including Alaska and Arkansas.

The economy has been a major issue in the race between Quinn and Republican businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

Quinn notes Illinois' unemployment rate is at its lowest point in six years. Rauner says the rate is still among the highest in the nation.

Clinton is the latest Democratic heavy-hitter to stump for Quinn. President Barack Obama headlined a pro-Quinn rally Sunday. First lady Michelle Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have also campaigned for Quinn.

Republican Bruce Rauner says he wants to become governor so he can jump start the economy and create more jobs. But during a debate last night, he tried to skip out on answering questions about how many jobs his companies have created in Illinois. Moderators wouldn't let him get away with that.

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Rauner says his investment firm, which is called GTCR, couldn't have been one of the best in the nation if they weren't performing well. GTCR is based in Chicago and has more than 80 employees.

Governor Quinn is having to give a clear yes or no answer on whether he plans to keep the five-percent tax rate in place. He tried to dodge over the question during a debate with Republican Bruce Rauner last night but the moderator wasn't letting him off the hook.

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The state will lose billions-of-dollars if the income tax rate rolls back to three-point-seven-five-percent in January, like it's supposed to. Governor Quinn says schools and other vital public services will suffer most if the state loses the revenue, and he can't afford to let that happen. Quinn says he'll push to get the income tax rate locked in after the election.

Political experts say the University of Illinois Board of Trustees finds itself at a potential turning point as Election Day approaches.

The school's main campus in Champaign-Urbana is to choose a new president by late November. The next governor of Illinois - whether incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn or the GOP's Bruce Rauner - will decide if three members of the board will continue. That includes Chairman Chris Kennedy.

Kennedy's term, along with the terms of Pamela Strobel and Ed McMillan, all expire in early January. The school's Chicago campus also is searching for a chancellor.

According to reports, University of Illinois political science professor Brian Gaines explains so many possible changes haven't presented themselves since the state started appointing instead of electing trustees in the mid-1990s.

Early voting is now underway. That means registered voters can skip the long lines on Election Day and cast their ballot before November 4th rolls around. Jim Tenuto, with the State Board of Elections, says people seem to like the option.

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People can vote at their County Clerk's office through November 2nd. Anyone who isn't registered still has time to get signed up. They can also do that at the County Clerk's office. They will need to vote as soon as they register.

Nurses and administrators of the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago have reached a tentative agreement that ends the threat of a walkout.

Members of the Illinois Nurses Association were scheduled to walk off the job Tuesday after an impasse over a new contract. Union leaders now say a strike won't take place.

The nurses had expressed concern the hospital planned to cut the number of experienced nurses providing direct patient care. The nurses also were opposed to a proposal that would allow the hospital to change their schedules within 24-hours' notice.

Chris Martin of the Illinois Nurses Association on Monday did not reveal the terms of the new contract, which the union is recommending the hospital's 1,100 nurses accept.

A small town in east central Illinois could essentially be erased after the November 4th election. The 92-voters in Garrett will decide whether they should dissolve the town and let it become an unincorporated part of Garret Township. Village officials don't like the idea. They say things like snow removal would be cancelled and utility bills wouldn't get paid if voters approved the dissolution measure. That means street lights and water service could potentially be shut off. A public hearing is scheduled for 6:00 this evening so people can learn more about how the dissolution could impact them.

A central Illinois municipality is seeing increased costs in recycling old electronics.

According to reports, Normal Public Works director Wayne Aldrich explains the city paid a contractor around $6,700 last month. Usually, the municipality doesn't pay a cent to recycle electronics.

Environmentalists blame the rising costs on low annual recycling goals the state set for manufacturers under a federal law. Whenever manufacturers meet that goal, they can pull funding for the recycling process without penalty.

Ecology Action Center's executive director says the companies begin sending money toward other states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania where recycling quotas are higher and penalties are stiffer.

The issues of domestic abuse among women and children has taken a national stage thanks to the actions of several high profile NFL players.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it could not come at a better time given the recent spike in cases from the National Football League's players. Judy Brucker is the Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center, she feels this is a time for leaders within the league to take a stand on the issue.

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Adrian Peterson's abuse case has been highly publicized because of the involvement of his child, however, it was just over a year ago, we learned of the unfortunate passing of another son. Brucker says while it is surprising, she is not all that taken back by the circumstances. She feels he should have used that as a wake up call and changed his ways.

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According to Brucker, conversations she's had recently have posed the idea of setting a different standard for football players, given the physical and often violent nature of their profession. She refutes that thought because there are numerous more parents and care givers who do not do the types of things being done to women and children.

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According to Brucker, many times when child abuse cases come up, the perpetrators were treated the way they are treating their kids. She says there "wrong is wrong and when you're leaving marks on your child or putting them at risk, that is wrong, and also illegal".

Thanks to a federal grant, the DeWitt County Sheriff's Department will be able to up enforcements to battle a specific problem locally.

According to DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner, the grant will allow his deputies to target drunk drivers on major holidays. He explains the grant will pay overtime expenses for officers who have to work extra on holidays or days off for this special enforcement.

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The grant has a very specific purpose and because of that, it cannot be used to replace other budget areas in the department. According to the Sheriff, It can only be used toward getting drunk drivers off the road.

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The Sheriff is always surprised by the number of drunk drivers his department catches, which is why he feels any additional help in the effort is always appreciated.

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This particular grant is fairly competitive and the Sheriff says it's the first time DeWitt County has received this particular grant in the last decade.

(Gainesville, FL) -- Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley says the university is sticking behind football coach Will Muschamp, for now. Following a 42-13 beat down at the hands of Missouri on Saturday, Foley says they will continue to evaluate Muschamp's status as the season unfolds. The Gators fell to 3-and-3 and own a 2-and-3 SEC record after the loss. Muschamp is in his fourth season at Florida and went 4-and-8 last year. He's 25-and-19 overall with a 15-and-14 record in conference play.

>>FSU's Winston To Declare For NFL Draft

(Undated) -- Florida State will not have quarterback Jameis Winston next season. CBSSports reports Winston will declare for the 2015 NFL Draft but won't drop out of school. The redshirt sophomore has been the center of multiple off the field issues, including a recent autograph scandal. He was also involved in a sexual abuse case from 2012. The Heisman Trophy winning QB is looking to guide FSU to its second straight national title.

>>Mississippi State Remains Atop "USA Today" Poll

(Undated) -- Mississippi State is still atop the latest "USA Today" college football top-25 poll. The Bulldogs remain 6-and-0 after a bye week and gained 36 first-place votes. After beating Notre Dame at home, Florida State remains second followed by Ole Miss, Alabama and Michigan State. Auburn is sixth and Oregon is seventh while the Fighting Irish fell to eighth down from fifth. Georgia and TCU round out the top-ten. Baylor took the biggest fall from fourth to 13th. Oklahoma State, Stanford and Texas A&M all fell out while LSU, Minnesota and West Virginia joined the poll.

Golf star Tiger Woods is still shooting for a December return to competition. His agent tells ESPN.com that the 14-time major champion is still listening to his doctors, hitting balls and doing as much as he feels good with. Barring any setbacks, Woods is expected to tee it up at a Tiger Woods Foundation event, the Hero World Challenge, on December 4th in Orlando, Florida. The 38-year-old just started hitting full shots last week. Woods had back surgery on March 31st and returned to the PGA Tour in June, but played just four tournaments before another back problem shut him down.

(Columbus, OH) -- Derrick Rose dropped 30 points in 24 minutes of action but the Bulls suffered a 107-98 loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers from Columbus. Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson each added 12 points in defeat. The Bulls wrap the preseason Friday against the Timberwolves in St. Louis.

>>Bulls' Butler To Have MRI On Thumb

(Columbus, OH) -- Bulls guard Jimmy Butler will undergo an MRI today on his thumb. Butler injured the left thumb in Sunday's exhibition win over the Hornets and missed last night's game against the Cavaliers. Early indications are that the thumb is sprained and won't require surgery.

>>Pacers' George Recovering Well

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Indiana Pacers forward Paul George is making progress less than three months after suffering a compound fracture in his right leg. George was seen Monday shooting jumpers in a gym after practice. He was cleared to put weight on the leg and do upper-body work in late September. George was injured during a Team USA intrasquad scrimmage on August 1st as the U.S. was preparing for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. George said recently he plans to play at some point during this NBA season.

(Kansas City, MO) -- The World Series returns to Kansas City for the first time in 29 years as the Royals host the San Francisco Giants tonight in Game One at Kauffman Stadium. James Shields takes the mound for the Royals, while the Giants counter with National League Championship Series MVP Madison Bumgarner. The Royals are 8-and-0 this postseason, beating the A's in the Wild Card game, sweeping the Angels in the ALDS and then doing the same to the Orioles in the ALCS. The Giants are in the Fall Classic for the third time in five seasons, having won in both 2010 and 2012. San Francisco got past Pittsburgh in the Wild Card game, beat the Nationals in the NLDS and the Cardinals in the NLCS to advance. The Giants are seeking their eighth World Series title overall. The Royals are in the Fall Classic for the third time, but first since winning it all in 1985. KC swept three games from San Francisco earlier this season.

>>Cardinals' Jay To Have Wrist Surgery

(St. Louis, MO) -- Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay will have surgery on his ailing left wrist. GM John Mozeliak [[ mo-ZAY-lack ]] says Jay will have his wrist scoped on Wednesday and is expected to need six-to-eight weeks to recover before resuming offseason training. The injury originally occurred in July.

>>No Surgery Planned For Molina, Wainwright

(St. Louis, MO) -- A pair of injured Cardinals will avoid surgery for now. Catcher Yadier Molina and pitcher Adam Wainwright will try to heal their ailments with offseason rest. Molina suffered an oblique injury during the playoffs, while Wainwright dealt with elbow stiffness at times throughout the season.

>>"Sporting News" Names White Sox's Abreu Top Rookie

(Undated) -- White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is being honored as the American League's top rookie by "Sporting News." Abreu hit .317 with 36 home runs and 107 RBI this season. Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom earned the publication's honor for the National League.

>>Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports To Add Agents, Acquire Agencies

(Undated) -- Jay Z's sports management agency, Roc Nation Sports, is planning to expand its roster of agents. According to "Sports Business Daily," Roc Nation president Michael Yormark says the company plans to not only hire new agents, but to also buy out existing agencies. He explains that the new acquisitions will help Roc Nation Sports "aggressively" build its infrastructure. While Roc Nation hopes to add more NFL, NBA and MLB agents, they may also bring on agents who represent soccer and tennis players. Roc Nation doesn't currently represent any players from those two sports.

Meantime, Roc Nation Sports is adding some slugging power to its lineup. On Monday, it announced that Boston Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes [[ yo-ENN-ees SESS-peh-dess ]] has joined the roster.

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- The Steelers pulled out a 30-23 win against the Texans on "Monday Night Football" after a wild rally late in the first half at Heinz Field. The Steelers trailed 13-0 before scoring 24 unanswered points in less than three minutes. Ben Roethlisberger found Martavis Bryant for a 35-yard touchdown followed by an Arian Foster fumble recovered by Pittsburgh. Wide receiver Antonio Brown then threw a TD pass on a trick play to Lance Moore giving the Steelers a four-point lead. Ryan Fitzpatrick was intercepted on the next Texans' play and "Big Ben" threw another touchdown to Le'Veon Bell allowing Pittsburgh to go into halftime up 24-13. Roethlisberger finished with 265 passing yards and two touchdowns. Bell compiled 145 total yards and a TD as the Steelers moved to 4-and-3. Foster ran for 102 yards and DeAndre Hopkins hauled in six catches 108 yards in the defeat. Fitzpatrick had 262 yards through the air with two TDs and a pick for Houston, which lost its third straight and dropped to 3-and-4.

>>Bears Respond To Locker Room Reports

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Chicago Bears are responding to reports of a tense moment in the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. Coach Marc Trestman says Brandon Marshall did not single out quarterback Jay Cutler as some have said. Reports say Marshall unloaded on teammates after the loss and was loud enough for the media to hear him outside the closed doors of the locker room. Guard Kyle Long also responded to the drama in an interview with ESPN 1000 by saying there's no issues internally. Left tackle Jermon Bushrod tells ESPN there was a heated exchange in the locker room, but says it was just players expressing their emotions.

>>Rams Release Pettis

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Rams are parting ways with wide receiver Austin Pettis. Head coach Jeff Fisher announced Monday that he has been released. The four-year pro recorded 12 catches for 118 yards and one touchdown in five games this season. According to multiple reports, Pettis was late for a team meeting on Saturday. He was then inactive for Sunday's 28-26 win over Seattle.

>>Niners' Smith Could Be Reinstated Early

(Santa Clara, CA) -- The San Francisco 49ers could get outside linebacker Aldon Smith back sooner than expected. ESPN reports Smith's nine-game suspension could be reduced due to good behavior. Smith was suspended before the season under the personal conduct and substance abuse policies. His suspension is set to end following the Niners' Week 10 matchup with the Saints, but now he could be back for the Week Nine home game against the Rams. San Francisco has a bye this week.

>>Seahawks' Baldwin: Harvin Trade Factored In Loss

(Renton, WA) -- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin says the team's recent trade of Percy Harvin could have factored in Sunday's loss to the Rams. Baldwin tells ESPN the emotional roller coaster of the transaction played a role. He adds that they handled it to the best of their ability, but says the drastic move impacted the team in the 28-26 loss to St. Louis which dropped them to 3-and-3 this season. Seattle dealt Harvin to the New York Jets late last week in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Multiple outlets reported that Harvin became a distraction to the team and that he would've been cut if a trade partner wasn't found.

>>McCoy To Start For Redskins If RG3 Can't Go

(Ashburn, VA) -- Colt McCoy will be the Washington Redskins starting quarterback until Robert Griffin the Third is ready to return from injury. Head coach Jay Gruden named McCoy the starter for next Monday night's game at Dallas, but there is a chance Griffin could come back from a dislocated ankle. McCoy went 11-of-12 for 128 yards and a touchdown, helping lead the 'Skins to a game-winning field goal against Tennessee in relief of an ineffective Kirk Cousins this past Sunday. Gruden says he "can't rule out" "RG3," but he still has a long way to go in his rehab from the Week Two injury against Jacksonville. Cousins has thrown for over 17-hundred-yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions in six games this season.

>>Calvin Johnson To Travel To London With Lions

(Allen Park, MI) -- Despite missing the last two weeks with an ankle injury, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson may suit up in Week Eight when the team plays Atlanta in London, England. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell says Johnson will make the trip with the team across the pond on Monday night. "Megatron" was rumored to be out of the lineup until after the team's bye in Week Nine. Johnson has 22 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season.

>>Redskins' Orakpo Out For Season

(Ashburn, VA) -- The 2014 season is over for Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo [[ or-RACK-poh ]], and it could spell the end of his career in Washington. Orakpo will be placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. The same injury ended his 2012 season after just two games. The 28-year-old signed a one-year, 11.45-million-dollar franchise tender in the offseason, and is likely to hit the free agent market following the season. The 2009 first-round pick has racked up 40 sacks in 71 games for the 'Skins.

For the second week in a row, Illinois State (6-0, 3-0 MVFC) needed a game-winning field goal to come from behind to get a win, this time at Western Illinois. Following the victory, the Redbirds remained in the Top 10 of both national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) polls released Monday.

The Redbirds are one of just four undefeated teams remaining in the Top 25 polls, alongside North Dakota State, Coastal Carolina and Harvard. ISU stayed steady at No. 9 in the FCS Coaches Poll after the thrilling win against the Leathernecks and moved up one spot to No. 9 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25. The No. 9 national ranking is the highest for ISU since 2012, when the Redbirds were also ranked No. 9 in early October.

Residents in the southwest area of the City of Clinton this week may be hearing loud noises like shots fired from a gun.

Over the past month, local authorities have been getting complaints from residents in the Hillcrest subdivision of turkey vultures. According to Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers, they have received a special permit from the Department of Natural Resources for a special pyrotechnic to scare this bird off.

[audio:102214turkeyvulcher1.mp3] [/audio]

The vultures are congregating near certain trees in Clinton, but not only that, they have very unique characteristics that may them very hazardous. According to Chief Lowers, the vulture projectile vomits and it's vomit can do a great deal of harm.

[audio:102214turkeyvulcher2.mp3] [/audio]

The Chief notes, this particular vulture was nearly extinct but has made quite a comeback. He says it has picked out specific trees in the area and will flock to them. He adds it is been in the evening hours they have started to congregate.

[audio:102214turkeyvulcher3.mp3] [/audio]

The Chief explains right at dusk is when they begin to roost, and Monday night, they deployed four or five of the noise makers. They begin the deployment of the noise makers just before dark, around dusk. He does believe they will continue to roost through at least mid-week.

He encourages residents to not be alarmed in that area of the city, as they will be making a lot of noise, but at the same time, encourages residents to call in anything they may think is suspicious.

The spouse of a DeWitt County Office holder is currently being charged with a pair of Class-A Misdemeanor drug crimes.

Task Force Six investigated Circuit Clerk Pam Barnes' husband, 62-year old Jeff Barnes, who is being charged with possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis and also the possession of the plant, both Class A misdemeanors.

A Class misdemeanor is punishable of up to a year in jail.

A special prosecutor, Thomas J. Brown from the Illinois State's Attorneys Appelate Prosecutors Office has been assigned to the case.

Colton Boyd, 24, Heyworth was arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Driving Under Influence Alcohol and DUI Alcohol/ Intox Compound/ Drug. Boyd unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

Jeremy Phillips, 35, DeWitt was arrested on a Probation Violation. Phillips posted the necessary bond and was released.

Keirsten Wright, 27, Monticello was arrested and charged with Driving Under Influence Alcohol. Wright posted the necessary bond and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT O LAW.

Derrick Rose posted 17 points with three assists and two rebounds helping the Bulls beat the Hornets, 101-96, in preseason action at the United Center. Pau Gasol had a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards. The Bulls face the Cavaliers tonight in Columbus, Ohio.

The Bears are shifting focus to their Week Eight road matchup against the New England Patriots. Chicago is now 3-and-4 after yesterday's loss to the Dolphins. The Patriots sit at 5-and-2 after edging the Jets last Thursday.

The Bears had three turnovers on their way to a 27-14 loss to the Dolphins at Soldier Field. Jay Cutler threw for 190 yards with a touchdown, interception and fumble. Matt Forte totaled 109 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago, which ran for just 52 yards as a team.

Austin Davis threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams upended the Seahawks 28-26 at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis pulled of a trick punt return that Stedman Bailey returned 90 yards for a score. Tre Mason ran for 85 yards and a TD in the victory.

Jalen Whitlow threw two touchdown passes and ran for three more, and Eastern Illinois' defense forced five turnovers to beat Southeast Missouri 52-13 on Saturday.

Whitlow connected with Adam Drake with a 50-yard strike in the first quarter, and hit Drake again with a 5-yard touchdown late in the third. Whitlow ran for 3, 13, and 2-yard scores. He finished with 213 yards passing without an interception, and ran for 75.

Deonte Jackson recovered a fumble, Jourdan Wickliffe had two interceptions, and Anthony Goodman and Anthony Standifer had one. Jimmy Lera added a 96-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth for Eastern Illinois (2-5, 2-1 Ohio Valley).

Eastern Illinois bounced back after having its 13-game conference win streak snapped last week against Eastern Kentucky.

Kyle Snyder threw for 210 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions for Southeast Missouri (4-4, 2-2).

Tre Roberson accounted for four second-half touchdowns and Nick Aussieker kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired, rallying Illinois State past Western Illinois 37-34 on Saturday.

The Redbirds (6-0, 3-0 Missouri Valley) faced a 27-6 deficit late in the third quarter, but stormed back as Roberson threw touchdown passes of 10 and 9 yards to James O'Shaughnessy and scored on a 6-yard run in between, tying it at 27.

Western Illinois (3-5, 1-3) responded with a 75-yard strike from Trenton Norvell to Lance Lenoir, but Illinois State once again answered with a 24-yard touchdown from Roberson to Cameron Meredith with 7:53 remaining.

Norvell drove the Leathernecks past midfield, but was intercepted by David Perkins with 2:28 left. A third-down completion from Roberson to Anthony Warrum set up Aussieker's game-winner.

Illinois returns to the practice field this week to gear up for this Saturday's matchup against Minnesota. The Fighting Illini are 3-and-4 but remain winless in Big Ten action at 0-and-3. Minnesota is 6-and-1 with a 3-and-0 Big Ten mark after edging Purdue by one point on Saturday.

Nicor Gas is holding an open house to answer questions about the cleanup of a former Bloomington manufactured gas plant site.

The Monday meeting will include a question-and-answer session on the latest phase of cleanup at the four-acre site.

The site is contaminated with coal tar. It formerly housed a plant that manufactured gas using a variety of raw materials, most commonly coal and oil, between 1883 and 1951.

Cleanup has been ongoing since 1995. Nicor spokesman Bernard Anderson says the next phase includes building a below-grade retaining wall, a process that will take up to eight months. Additional excavation is planned for next year.

Anderson says the goal is to eventually sell the site for commercial use.

The Better Business Bureau and several government agencies are warning the public to be on the lookout for scams related to the Ebola virus.

Steve J. Bernas is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois.

Bernas says scammers have moved quickly to take advantage of the public's fear about the deadly virus. The scams include con artists soliciting donations to fake charities that claim to provide relief for victims. Others say they're selling stock for companies they claim have found a cure.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued warning letters about scammers that are trying to sell "miracle" products they claim will prevent or cure Ebola. Officials say some of these products contain untested, dangerous ingredients.

President Barack Obama is playing it by ear this week as his administration's response to the Ebola scare continues to evolve.

After waking up in his own bed Monday at his family's home in Chicago, Obama plans to vote early for the midterms and attend a fundraiser for Democrats. How he'll spend the rest of the week is anyone's guess.

That's because Obama's schedule this week is a work in progress, in a departure from the normal practice in which the president's schedule is previewed days in advance. The blank slate reflects the White House's attempt to stay nimble, leaving Obama room to maneuver amid a public health crisis that has been anything but predictable.

Last week, Obama twice had to cancel planned campaign trips to deal with Ebola.

People can cast their ballots from Monday through Nov. 2 at sites around the state. The Illinois State Board of Elections website has a database to help voters find their assigned polling places.

Early voting locations include libraries, village halls and community centers throughout the state, and are listed by county clerks' offices.

Democratics and Republicans are working hard to get their respective bases to vote early this election, rather than waiting until Nov. 4 - particularly in the tight governor's race between Gov. Pat Quinn and GOP challenger Bruce Rauner.

President Barack Obama was in Chicago Sunday night to encourage people to vote early for Quinn.

Elections Board says almost 381,000 people voted early in the November 2010 general election.

Monticello's Allerton Park is planning many exciting opportunities for visitors starting in December. The holiday season will see a possible breakfast with Santa for the kids and a holiday gala for adults. Matt Smith, with Allerton Park, explains the event will be an opportunity for many local businesses to participate as well as kick off the holidays. He adds open houses this winter will allow for community participation as well.

[audio:101714winterpark1.mp3] [/audio]

Smith notes the park is planning to bring back some of the traditional decor they were known for a couple decades ago. While they plan to make the decorations more relevant for today, he says they hope to create a family-filled atmosphere this holiday season.

[audio:101714winterpark2.mp3] [/audio]

One of the major draws for Allerton during winter are holiday parties. Smith says activity slows down a bit during the winter months, but there are always plenty of activities taking place. Wintertime also provides the staff with opportunities to regroup for the next year.

[audio:101714winterpark3.mp3] [/audio]

For anyone wanting more information about park happenings or renting space for a party, you can contact Allerton Park at 217-333-3287 or go to allerton.il.edu.

The Clinton Landfill and 2015 budget were topics of heated dissension at Thursday's DeWitt County Board Meeting.

Terry Redman, Chairman of the DeWitt County Democrats, addressed the Board regarding some major issues that have been prevalent during the last two years of board meetings. He critisized the way Board Chair Sherrie Brown and other members of the "Reform Coalition" handled the vote regarding the host agreement with the Landfill. The quarter-million dollar budget deficit this year was also mentioned by Redman.

[audio:102014redman1.mp3] [/audio]

Board Member Terry Hoffman began debating with Redman over the host agreement issue. Redman said the Board had been warned by two attorneys not to violate the agreement. The two also disagreed on the subject of payments when a contract is violated.

[audio:102014redman2.mp3] [/audio]

Brown stressed it had not yet been proven that any contract was violated. Redman explained he wanted to let the Nov. 4th voters be aware if a last minute budget is brought forth next month. He asked if any of the Board Members had researched surrounding counties taxes before wanting to lower the levy also.

[audio:102014redman3.mp3] [/audio]

The discussion between Redman, Hoffman, Brown and others continued for nearly ten minutes. To hear the entire 16 minute discussion, listen below.

The Clinton YMCA is featuring a new program that will give parents an opportunity to have some alone time during the week.

The Y has begun the new Y Time My Time childcare program. Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Clinton Y, explains parents will now have an opportunity to run errands for a couple hours while their child is being taken care of. He adds various activities will be available for kids during the two-hour span.

[audio:101414ytime1.mp3] [/audio]

Cluver notes the idea was born not too long ago and shouldn't cost much. He notes the Y will test the program out for a year and adjust if needed. Some months may see a higher need for child care, according to Cluver.

[audio:101414ytime2.mp3] [/audio]

The first Y Time My Time session will take place on Friday, October 24th. It will be for children, ages 2-5.

For more information on the program, you can call the Clinton YMCA at 217-935-8307 or go to their website, www.clintoncommymca.org.

A cemetery in central Illinois is embarking on a unique marketing campaign that includes a 5K race and actors dressing as people buried there.

Bob Manning, chairman of the management authority at Springdale Cemetery, says that the goal is to encourage more people to buy lots at the Peoria cemetery. He says 10 events will be hosted this month in an effort to diversify the appeal of the sprawling East Bluff property.

Actors from the Prairie Folklore Theater kicked off the initiative by portraying people who have been buried in the cemetery since it opened in 1857. Visitors were able to meet the famous inhabitants during walking tours.

The cemetery also held the Ron Santo Walk and 5K to Cure Diabetes earlier this month and is set to hold the Screaming Pumpkin Race next week

The Peoria City Council has repealed part of a city ordinance that would have required anyone buying a weapon to provide their thumbprint.

The action vacating parts of the deadly weapons ordinance came Tuesday night without discussion. The Illinois State Rifle Association said it had a lawsuit prepared with itself and Peoria residents as plaintiffs. Rifle association general counsel Victor Quilici says the group was "poised to file suit immediately if the ordinance had not been repealed."

Under the city's deadly weapons ordinance, gun purchasers would have had to submit a right thumbprint and a signature. The certificate that included the thumbprint was to be turned over to the police department within 24 hours.

A former children's hospital official in central Illinois has pleaded not guilty to embezzling more than $700,000 from the institution over six years.

55-year-old Margaret "Peggy" Curtin entered the plea Thursday in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The former St. John's Children's Hospital executive director also waived her right to a preliminary hearing. She declined further comment as she left court. She is free on $1 million bond.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said he is considering filing more charges against Curtin. Prosecutors say the thefts happened between December 2008 and her arrest Sept. 22.

Members of the Illinois Legislature are to discuss how a proposed eavesdropping law would affect police use of body cameras.

The Illinois House Judiciary Committee will meet Friday morning in downtown Chicago. State Sen. Kwame Raoul, a Chicago Democrat, and state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, a Buffalo Grove Democrat, will co-chair the hearing.

Raoul says it's important to talk about the use of cameras as lawmakers write eavesdropping legislation. The Illinois Supreme Court in March struck down the state's eavesdropping law, saying it is too broad.

The cameras can attach to police officers' uniforms to record encounters with the public.

Last month two Illinois lawmakers pushed for a hike in traffic and other fines to raise money for police body and dashboard cameras.

Clinton's Terror on Washington Street will be providing kid-friendly tours beginning this weekend.

The Clinton Haunted House began providing Friendly Ghost Tours for children under 10 in 2012. Marian Brisard, Executive Director of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, explains the tours will be given from 5-6 pm the next two Saturdays. The lights remain on during the tour and is without scary monsters.

[audio:101814ghosttours1.mp3] [/audio]

Brisard says most kids over 10 should understand the components of the Haunted House which is why tours are 9 and under. She adds the atmosphere is more upbeat and fun than the grown-ups version.

[audio:101814ghosttours2.mp3] [/audio]

The Terror on Washington Street runs from 7-11 pm each weekend through the end of the month with the final night being Saturday November 1st.

For more information, you can go to www.clintonhauntedhouse.com or find them on Facebook.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drives to Talladega this weekend to wrap up the Contender Round in the Chase. Four more drivers will be eliminated from championship contention before heading into the Eliminator Round. Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick have already qualified.

The Bears welcome the Dolphins to Soldier Field on Sunday. Chicago is 3-and-3 after a win over the Falcons in Atlanta last weekend. The Dolphins almost beat the Packers last Sunday, losing on a late TD pass. They are 2-and-3.

The Rams face their second straight NFC West foe Sunday when they host the Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams blew an early 14-0 lead in a 31-17 loss to San Francisco on Monday. The Rams are now 1-and-4. Seattle is 3-and-2 after losing to Dallas last Sunday.

The San Francisco Giants are heading to the World Series after winning their third National League pennant in five years. Travis Ishikawa hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Giants past the Cardinals 6-3 in Game Five of the NLCS in San Francisco. Matt Adams and Tony Cruz both went deep in the fourth inning for the Cards, who were aiming for their 12th World Series title and first since 2011.

Wisconsin is the unanimous pick to win the Big Ten, and the Badgers' Frank Kaminsky is the Preseason Player of the Year.

Wisconsin returns four starters after going 30-8 and reaching the Final Four. In the vote by conference media announced Thursday, the Badgers beat out Michigan State, last year's Big Ten tournament champion, and Ohio State.

Kaminsky averaged 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds as a junior last season. He is joined on the all-conference team by Indiana's Yogi Ferrell, Michigan's Caris LeVert, Nebraska's Terran Petteway and Wisconsin's Sam Dekker.

No. 9 Illinois State (5-0, 2-0 MVFC) gutted out a tough, come-from-behind win on the road at Indiana State last Saturday, and the Redbirds have another tough contest away from home Saturday, when they travel to Macomb, Illinois, to face in-state rival Western Illinois (3-4, 1-2 MVFC) at Hanson Field at 3 p.m.

The Redbirds have started the season 5-0 for the second time in the last three seasons. No. 9 ISU is just one of five unbeaten teams left in the FCS, joining No. 1 North Dakota State (6-0), No. 4 Coastal Carolina (7-0), No. 13 Eastern Kentucky (6-0) and No. 25 Harvard (4-0). Included in those five wins are three over ranked FCS opponents in No. 24 Eastern Illinois (34-15), No. 22 South Dakota State (45-10) and No. 20 Indiana State (20-18).

The Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos hit the road tonight for the first of two of the biggest games on their schedule.

Sitting at 3-4 on the season, the Broncos are going to need to win tonight at 7-0 Arcola and then at Maroa-Forsyth next Friday to qualify for the playoffs.

The Broncos are coming off a dominant 60-32 victory last Friday against Argenta-Oreana. Arcola has scored no less than 40 points in each of their seven wins and hasn't played a game within two touchdowns.

Game time tonight is at 7 pm and can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

>>Maroons Look To Finish Season Strong

After a tough week 7 19-13 loss to Warrensburg-Latham, the Clinton Maroons will miss the playoffs once again, and will miss the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year.

Tonight the Maroons play host Meridian. Both teams enter with a 2-5 overall record and are 1-4 in their first year in the Central Illinois Conference.

Tonight's game gets underway at 7pm and can be heard on 92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Other games across the area tonight...

Central Illinois

Shelbyville at Decatur St. TeresaSullivan-Okaw Valley at Central A & MWarrensburg-Latham at Tuscola

The Illinois Department on Aging says seniors and disabled people can get free help enrolling in Medicare now through Dec. 7.

Agency Director John. K. Holton says deciding on Medicare coverage options can be overwhelming. Counselors from the agency's Senior Health Insurance Program can help beneficiaries and caregivers understand their options.

The program - known as SHIP - is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIP counselors can explain the drug, health and supplemental plans available during the annual open enrollment period. The enrollment period started Wednesday. It's the time to review Medicare Part D, the Medicare Advantage plan or to ensure current coverage is working.

The Illinois State Board of Education has released statistics showing that more than half of public school students in the state are considered low-income, and for the first time less than half of public school students are white.

The agency said Wednesday that the state's white public school student population has dropped to 49.9 percent, while its Hispanic population has grown to 24.6 percent. It also said 51.5 percent of all Illinois public school students are considered low-income.

The board has said it will add a dozen new categories of data when it releases its annual report card later this month. The new metrics, including principal retention, college readiness and current college enrollment, aim to give parents and members of the community a better understanding of how the state analyzes the numbers.

New campaign finance reports are giving a snapshot of fundraising and spending by the candidates for statewide office.

Third quarter fundraising reports due to the State Board of Elections Wednesday show GOP treasurer candidate Tom Cross had $614,981 in cash on hand as of Sept. 30. Democratic contender Michael Frerichs had $413,563. Both bidders for the open seat have spent heavily on television ads in recent months.

Incumbent Republican Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka had $1.44 million in cash on hand. Democratic challenger Sheila Simon had just $105,997. Simon is currently the lieutenant governor.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Secretary of State Jesse White each reported large campaign funds while their lesser-known opponents had little cash left on hand. Madigan faces Republican Paul Schimpf and White faces Republican Mike Webster.

An Illinois group is releasing more ratings of judges seeking retention or running in contested races in November.

The latest ratings from the Illinois Civil Justice League out Friday focus on central Illinois.

Of approximately 20 judges assessed, the majority were "highly recommended" or "recommended."

One circuit judge in the 11th district, Charles Reynard, was "not recommended." The organization did not provide details about why. A telephone message seeking comment from Reynard wasn't immediately returned.

Ratings of judges in southern Illinois were released earlier this month. Ratings for northern Illinois judges will be released soon.

Illinois Civil Justice League is a coalition of citizen, business and professional associations. The league is posting ratings and responses to questionnaires from candidates on its website, www.IllinoisJudges.net.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has activated a hotline to answer the public's questions about Ebola.

Department Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck announced the hotline Thursday. It will be managed by staff from the Illinois Poison Center who will be able to answer questions about the virus and the state's response.

The hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Operators will answer questions about how Ebola is spread, who's at risk, when someone should go to a doctor and other topics.

The hotline number is 800-889-3931.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluid. The transmission methods include getting an infected person's blood or vomit into the eyes or through a cut in the skin. Experts say it's not spread through the air.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D begins this week for local seniors.

The Open Enrollment period will allow seniors to compare different prescription drug plans. Rebecca Wheat, PATH Outreach Coordinator, explains beneficiaries can set up an appointment to review the plans at the DeWitt County Friendship Center. Plans will be customized through Medicare's website.

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Wheat notes seniors will need to bring their Medicare card and a list of medications to their appointments. She adds PATH can assist in merging all medications to one pharmacy as well.

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Wheat is also able to provide home visits for those unable to leave their home. They can request a visit by calling 935-9411.

The Fiscal Year 2015 budget was placed on file by the DeWitt County Board Thursday night with some debate beforehand.

The motion to place the budget on file was questioned by Board Member Terry Hoffman. He said the budget did not appear the way it should be presented and had no contingency account. Board Member David Newberg asked Hoffman why these objections weren't mentioned at any of the prior budget meetings especially since it needs to be on file for 30 days.

[audio:1017142015budget1.mp3] [/audio]

Board Chair Sherrie Brown noted moving funds out of equipment depreciation had previously been discussed. Hoffman continued saying department heads had been asked to make reductions due to the possible loss of EAV from Exelon. He also didn't feel the budget was balanced to begin with.

[audio:1017142015budget2.mp3] [/audio]

Board Member Camille Redman asked Hoffman why he didn't bring these issues up before to which he replied he had. He said there were 22 million dollars in disbursements that could be spent elsewhere. Administrative Assistant Dee Dee Rentmeister felt Hoffman's comments were misleading due to several funds being out of DeWitt County control.

[audio:1017142015budget3.mp3] [/audio]

The motion to place the budget on file passed 6-5 with Brown, Hoffman, Ron Savage, Keith Koons and George Wismiller voting no.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for further coverage of Thursday Night's meeting.

A Sangamon County judge has sentenced a man to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to fatally strangling his girlfriend.

27-year-old Daniel Mueller was sentenced for first-degree murder Thursday in the death of 25-year-old Kayla Dillon in 2012.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser says the plea deal was appropriate based on the evidence, Mueller's limited criminal history and his past diagnosis of mental illness. He says Mueller's lawyer could have used those factors to win an acquittal, a conviction on a lesser charge or a shorter sentence.

Prosecutors say Mueller strangled her in a house they shared and her body was found inside. Dillon's relatives say they had been dating for a few months at most.

As heard on 95.9 FM WEZC the Arcola Purple Riders took down the Cerro-Gordo Bement Broncos with a final score of 35-12.

For the Broncos, Chase McNamara carried eleven times for eighty=six yards. He also hauled in two catches for twenty-one yards. Dalton Groehler had twelve carries for sixty-eight yards and a touchdown. Dalton Woolridge connected on six of thirteen passing attempts for fifty-six yards and a touchdown.

For the Purple Riders Clayton Strader stole the show. He carried nine times for one hundred and seventy-nine yards with four touchdowns. He also went four for seven in passing for a total of eighty yards.

Arcola maintains their perfect record of 8-0 while the Broncos fall to 3-5 and are eliminated from the playoffs.

The next Broncos broadcast will be at 7PM next Friday against the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans.

For the Maroons (3-5), Alex Wheat had 11 carries for 177 yards for two touchdowns. Alec Cooley 17 carries for 116 yards for a touchdown. Tanner White 6 carries for 51 yards and also went 2-14 for 396 yards and had one interception and one touchdown.

For the Hawks (2-6), Gage Hollgarth had 13 carries for 38 yards. Clayton Sprague had 8 carries for 35 yards. He also went 2-6 for 7 yards and an interception. Dalton Collins carried the ball 4 times for 23 yards. He also had 22 yards passing for a touchdown and an interception.

Meridian turned the ball over 4 times with two interceptions, a fumble, and a muffed punt. Clinton only turned the ball over once.

Tune in next Friday on WHOW as the Clinton Marrons travel to Sullivan for the last game of the season.

Illinois health officials plan to launch a hotline to answer the public's questions about Ebola.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the plan Wednesday. Department Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says the hotline will be operating by later this week.

Hasbrouck says he wants to reassure Illinois residents after Wednesday's news that a second Dallas hospital employee has tested positive for Ebola. Hasbrouck says the Illinois health department is working closely with hospitals and local health departments "to provide guidance to quickly identify any potential cases of Ebola and contain any possible spread."

The second Dallas hospital worker testing positive for the disease provided care for Thomas Eric Duncan, the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the U.S. It's not clear how the second worker contracted the virus.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging people to vote "Yes" on the Victim's Bill of Rights Amendment that's on the November ballot. She say crime victims already have ten rights under Illinois law, but they're looking to strengthen their protections.

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Madigan says crime victims already have ten rights under Illinois law, but they're not always given the chance to make their voices heard.

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Illinois adopted a Crime Victims Bill of Rights into its Constitution more than 20 years ago. That means victims can be notified of things like when their attacker gets out of jail or is scheduled to appear in court. But, there's nothing in the law that requires the legal system to enforce the rights. This amendment would change that. It needs three-fifths of the voters' support in order to become law.

During a debate in Chicago last night, Rauner said he'll use his business savvy to bring jobs to Illinois and get the economy back on track. He recently donated a-million-bucks to a credit union on Chicago's south side. He says he hopes the money will be used to spur entrepreneurship and growth in communities that need it most.

Governor Quinn is spending the day with families of gun violence. He's been pushing for a ban on assault weapons in Illinois. Here's what he had to say about the issue during a debate last night.

[audio:rddGunBan11.mp3] [/audio]

Sandy and Lonnie Phillips made the rounds with Quinn in Chicago today. They lost their daughter in the Aurora, Colorado theatre shooting two years ago. They've been speaking out about assault weapons ever since. Quinn has been pushing for a ban in Illinois but has had trouble getting lawmakers to support the deal. His Republican opponent Bruce Rauner is not on board with banning people from owning the guns.

Police have arrested a 23-year-old Decatur man who they say broke into his grandmother's home and stole a $20 bill.

According to reports, the suspect was arrested early Monday morning and is now being held in jail on preliminary charges of robbery and criminal damage to property. The robbery occurred on July 20.

Police say the 76-year-old woman was napping on her couch when her grandson and an unidentified woman broke into her house. Police say the man forcibly searched his grandmother's pockets when she initially denied him money. They say the suspect stole $20 and a bottle of prescription anxiety medication.

According to authorities, the man fled his grandmother's home when she pressed a security alarm.

Students learned many different concepts in agriculture class and got to practice what they learned in a competitive event against other school from across the state. Some of the skills they needed to master included slope percentage of the land, water movement through the soil, percentage of organic matter, soil texture percentage of sand, silt, and clay, soil structure, soil color of plow layer subsoil and substratum, and calculate soil loss by using a algebraic equation.

The Clinton Community YMCA recently invested in a mobile app available to the public.

The new YMCA app is free, downloadable and available on any mobile device. Executive Director Rennie Cluver explains this is the first big project he's taken on since he took the position earlier this year with the hope to create better member engagement.

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The app will have a multitude of features and is a great way for members to be informed on various events at the Y. According to Cluver, the information easily accesible, right at the user's fingertips. He feels the app will be more useful than any brochure could ever be.

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One of the major advantages of the app is the ability to send out quick notifications. Cluver believes it will save a lot of time for both their members, and non-members about the things happening within the organization.

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To find the new Clinton YMCA app, visit the Google Play Store or the iTunes Market and search "Clinton Community YMCA".

Each year, the annual Apple and Pork Festival is a way for local community groups to improve the outlook of their yearly budgets.

For many, it helps make up a majority of their yearly revenue and for others, it has a specific purpose. Wapella Christian Church's tent each year sells corn on the cob to help raise money for their youth group. Pastor Phil Yakey explains the money goes towards events through the year the kids participate in.

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While the Village of Wapella is not a big community, Yakey feels they have a good mix and credits their Youth Director Sarah Laughlin with doing good work among the kids on a part time basis.

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Because the money goes towards the youth group, Yakey explains they try to get their kids involved. He notes the Apple and Pork Festival is a great way to give them something to do on the last weekend of September each year. And even though their tent sells corn on the cob and a few drinks, Yakey says there's plenty to do for their volunteers.

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The Wapella Christian Church recently remodeled their youth room. Yakey explains because kids are drawn to technology in it's many forms, he is pleased the church has been able to keep pace. He explains their renovated youth room has a new projector and sound system, which has been a great addition.

NASCAR is fining drivers Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart for the their post-race actions Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Keselowski has been docked 50-thousand-dollars and placed on probation for the next four races, while Stewart was hit with a 25-thousand-dollar fine and also placed on probation. Keselowski and driver Denny Hamlin tangled on the track following the checkered flag. Keselowski also hit Matt Kenseth on pit road. He then inadvertently ran into the back of Stewart, who put his car in reverse and hit Keselowski's car in retaliation. Kenseth and Hamlin were not penalized for their roles in the altercations.

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida State is investigating whether or not quarterback Jameis [[ JAME-iss ]] Winston signed autographs for money. ESPN.com reports a company has several authenticated Winston signatures. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher says he has approached Winston about the endorsements, and the reigning Heisman winner denied the allegations. The company in question is James Spence Authentication, which is the same group that verified over 500 autographs for Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who is currently serving an indefinite suspension. A cursory search on the company's website found more than 340 certified Winston autographs. Winston was suspended for the Seminoles' victory over Clemson on September 20th for yelling an obscene phrase in the student union. He does not seem to be in danger of missing any games for the autographs.

>>Suspended Notre Dame Players Learn Fate

(South Bend, IN) -- Notre Dame wide receiver DaVaris Daniels says he has played his last game for the Fighting Irish. Daniels took to Twitter to announce he is "done" and that it is time for "bigger things!" Daniels was the team's leading returning receiver entering the season, and was one of five players suspended on August 15th as part of the school's internal investigation into academic misconduct. Irish head coach Brian Kelly says fellow suspended players KeiVarae Russell and Ishaq Williams will sit out the rest of the season, and return next summer. The other two banned players, Kendall Moore and Eilar Hardy, have not had their fate announced.

Martin Kaymer poured in his 7-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole Wednesday to defeat Bubba Watson and win his first PGA Grand Slam of Golf title.

Kaymer, the first-round leader who won the U.S. Open earlier this year, fired an even-par 71 on Wednesday, while Watson carded a 2-under 69. The duo finished regulation play at 6-under-par 136.

It was a back and forth day between Kaymer and Watson, both of whom held the outright lead at one point. After finishing 36 holes deadlocked at minus-6, Kaymer and Watson headed back to the 18th tee for the first playoff hole.

Open champion and PGA Championship winner Rory McIlroy struggled on his way to a 4-over 75 on Wednesday and he finished alone in third at 2-over 144. Jim Furyk, the 2008 winner of this event, shot a 2-over 73 en route to a 3-over 145.

(Chicago, IL) -- Mikael Backlund scored the winning goal with just 24.8-seconds left in overtime as the Flames edged the Blackhawks 2-1 at the United Center. Dennis Wideman lit the lamp in the second period for Calgary, which improved to 3-2-and-0. Jonas Hiller stopped 49 of the 50 shots he faced in the victory. Andrew Shaw scored the lone goal with 5:45 to go in the third for the 'Hawks, who were coming off wins over Dallas and Buffalo to begin the year. Corey Crawford allowed both goals on 18 shots in the setback.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Blues begin their first road trip of the young season tonight in Los Angeles. They take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings at 9:30 p.m. The Blues are 1-1-and-0 on the season after Saturday's 4-1 win over Calgary. They also play Arizona and Anaheim on this road trip.

The Chicago Bears are not ruling out Lance Briggs for this weekend's game. They're also not saying whether the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker will play against the Dolphins.

Briggs sat out last week's win at Atlanta because of a rib injury. He did not practice Wednesday, and coach Marc Trestman does not expect him to Thursday, either.

The Bears host Miami on Sunday. As for whether Briggs will play, Trestman said Wednedsay, "We'll see."

Trestman also said there's no indication Briggs has broken ribs. Briggs did not make himself available for comment.

>>Slumping Jets Play Surging Pats On "Thursday Night Football"

(Foxboro, MA) -- The Thursday night NFL spotlight shines on the AFC East this week as the New York Jets play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gang Green is riding a five-game losing streak following a 31-17 home setback to Peyton Manning and Denver on Sunday. Quarterback Geno Smith was 23-of-43 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and a pick-six in defeat. The Jets' lone win this season came in Week One at home against the 0-and-5 Raiders. The Patriots are coming off a 37-22 win at Buffalo that has them atop the division at 4-and-2. Tom Brady lit up the Bills for 361 yards and four touchdowns through the air, while the defense had three takeaways and sacked Buffalo QB Kyle Orton five times. The Pats and Jets split their season series a year ago.

>>Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin Has Concussion

(Charlotte, NC) -- Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is dealing with a concussion. The first-round pick suffered the head injury on a hit from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and the play resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty. Burfict has been fined for two other incidents that happened during the game that ended in a 37-all tie. Benjamin has 416 receiving yards and four scores in his first six games as a pro. He must pass through the league's concussion protocol in order to play Sunday against Green Bay.

>>Lions WR Johnson Still Dealing With High Ankle Sprain

(Allen Park, MI) -- The Detroit Lions may not have star wide receiver Calvin Johnson again this weekend. "Megatron" missed his first game of the season this past Sunday at Minnesota with a high ankle sprain. He said at practice Wednesday that there is no point in being on the field until he's able to go out and do what he does at a high level. Johnson has 22 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns this season, but only three catches for 19 yards in his last two games. The 4-and-2 Lions host the 2-and-3 New Orleans Saints this Sunday at Ford Field.

>>NFL Ban Gives Beats Millions In Free Media Exposure

(Undated) -- The NFL's deal with audio maker Bose is paying off for Beats by Dre. The deal banned players from wearing Beats, but "Bloomberg" reports that data from the firm Front Row Analytics shows the ban gave them the equivalent of over two-million-dollars worth of free media exposure. Much of that exposure came after the league fined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for wearing Beats headphones. The company got even more free advertising following reports that Kaepernick continued to wear the headphones, but covered the Beats logo with tape.

Meantime, "Billboard" reports that Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine told a crowd at USC that he couldn't believe his luck when he heard about all the free exposure the ban had given the company.

(San Francisco, CA) -- The Giants are one win away from the World Series. They used a three-run sixth inning to push past the Cardinals in Game Four of the NLCS from San Francisco. Buster Posey drove in three runs to carry the Giants, who now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. Game Five from AT&T Park is Thursday night. Yusmeiro Petit tossed three scoreless innings in relief for the win. Santiago Casilla picked up the save. Jhonny Peralta grounded into a double play and Kolten Wong homered to give the Cards a 4-1 lead in the third inning. Marco Gonzales took the loss in relief.

>>Royals Sweep Orioles To Advance To World Series

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals are headed to the World Series for the first time since 1985. The Royals beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Kauffman Stadium to complete a four-game sweep. Jason Vargas and three relievers combined on a four-hitter for KC, which captured the third American League pennant in club history. The Royals scored two runs in the first inning on Eric Hosmer's fielder's choice grounder to first base, with the throw to the plate getting away from catcher Caleb Joseph. Baltimore scored its lone run on a solo homer by Ryan Flaherty in the third. Vargas pitched five-and-a-third innings of one-run ball for the win and Greg Holland closed it out for his fourth save of the series. Miguel Gonzalez was charged with two runs in five-and-two-thirds frames to take the tough-luck loss.

Kansas City remains unbeaten this postseason, having won eight straight. The Royals will play either the San Francisco Giants or St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic beginning Tuesday in KC. The Royals will have home-field advantage in the World Series after the American League won this year's All-Star Game.

>>Royals' Cain Named ALCS MVP

(Kansas City, MO) -- Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain is the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series. He was named the recipient of the reward after helping the Royals advance to the World Series with a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles. Cain went 8-for-15 in the four games, with two doubles, an RBI, five runs scored, a sacrifice bunt, a stolen base and numerous defensive gems in the outfield.

>>Rangers Decline Option On Rios

(Arlington, TX) -- Texas Rangers outfielder Alex Rios is heading to free agency. The Rangers have declined their 2015 option on the 33-year-old and will instead pay a one-million-dollar buyout. Rios hit .280 with four homers and 54 RBI in 131 games this past season. He's a career .278 hitter with 165 home runs in 11 big league seasons with the Blue Jays, White Sox and Rangers.

A Clinton teen who has been diagnosed with a rare disease is currently out of the state to acquire a specially trained K-9 to help her cope with her condition.

Lukah Case is a 16-year old Clinton High School student, and according to her mother Andi Case, Lukah's condition dysautonomia effects the nervous system in such a way that can at time be almost paralyzing.

[audio:101514lukahcase1.mp3] [/audio]

Andi indicates Lukah is currently in Pennsylvania to acquire a specially trained dog that will be a tremendous help to her quality of life. Dysautonomia can cause seizures and fainting spells and Andi says the dog will help in the aftermath of those incidents.

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A benefit to help raise money for the Case family to afford this specially trained dog will be held Saturday at the Clinton Elks from 2-11 pm. We'll have more on the event later this week on Regional Radio News.

To learn more about Lukah, her condition, or this weekend's event, you can search "Doggone dysautonomia" on Facebook and the page for Lukahs' service dog cause will come up, or follow Andi's blog on her perspective at www.lookingforlukah.com.

The rash of abuse by prominent professional football players in recent weeks has local advocacy groups pleased the issue has been brought to a national spotlight.

With the circumstances are not always pleasing to hear about, advocates of abused adults and kids are glad the issue is coming forward as a farther reaching topic. Megan Neville with DOVE of DeWitt County, a domestic violence non-profit group believes the NFL should be commended for creating harsher punishments for players who perpetrate domestic abuse.

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October being Domestic Violence Awareness month has become more than a coincidence given the amount of troubling cases plaguing one of the country's most popular forms of entertainment. Neville explains domestic violence is the number one under-reported crime.

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During the month of October, DOVE and other domestic violence groups are working to promote awareness about the issues. Neville explains domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women.

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Neville's specific focus at DOVE is to work with the kids who may be effected by domestic violence in some way or another. She's working to get a couple programs going in the schools and hopes to work with other groups around DeWitt County as well.

Regional Radio News will have more on domestic violence awareness month throughout October.

The San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals are out to advantages in their respective League Championship Series. The Giants scored in the bottom of the tenth on an error to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 in Game Three of the National League Championship Series. San Francisco now owns a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and will host Game Four on Wednesday night. First pitch is slated for 8:07 p.m. Eastern. Billy Butler lifted a sac-fly in the sixth inning to send KC to a 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Game Three of the American League Championship Series. The Royals now own a commanding 3-0 lead in the series and can close it out with a victory at home on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is at 4:07 p.m. Eastern.

The Bulls continue the preseason slate tomorrow night when they host the Atlanta Hawks at United Center. Chicago is 2-and-2 this preseason following Monday's win over the Nuggets. The regular season starts two weeks from tonight on the road against the Knicks.

The Blackhawks play host to the Calgary Flames tonight at United Center. Chicago is off to a 2-and-0 start this season after wins over Dallas and Buffalo. The Flames are 2-and-2 after a shootout victory at Nashville last night. The puck drops at 7:00.

The Bears hit the practice field today to gear up for Sunday's clash with the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Chicago is 3-and-3 following last week's road win over the Falcons. The Dolphins are 2-and-3 after falling to the Packers. Sunday's game kicks off at Noon.

The San Francisco Giants defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 in 10 innings in Game Three of the National League Championship Series. Brandon Crawford scored the winning run on a throwing error by Cards reliever Randy Choate in the bottom of the 10th. Hunter Pence doubled in a run in the first inning and then scored on Travis Ishikawa's three-run double later in the frame as San Francisco built a 4-0 lead. The Giants lead the best-of-seven matchup two-games-to-one and will host Game Four on Wednesday. Sergio Romo was credited with the win, while Choate suffered the loss. Randal Grichuk hit a game-tying solo homer in the seventh for the Redbirds. Kolten Wong had a two-run triple and Jhonny Peralta plated the other run in defeat.

The annual Orange and Blue scrimmage that usually starts Illinois' basketball season is off this year but the Illini plan to let about 200 selected fans get an early look at the team.

Illinois said Tuesday that players will scrimmage Oct. 26 at the Ubben Basketball Practice Facility. Fans selected in a drawing can attend.

The school says fans will have to nominate themselves for the drawing at the team website, FightingIllini.com, or in a message to the team's Twitter handle, @IlliniHoops. Priority will be given to season-ticket holders and students.

The traditional scrimmage at the State Farm Center isn't happening this year because of the ongoing renovation work. But school officials say the facility will be available for the opening exhibition on Nov. 7 against Quincy.

llinois businesses placed more than 212,000 "help wanted" ads online in September. Most of the ads were seeking full-time workers.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Tuesday the leading metropolitan areas where there were jobs being advertised were Chicago, Bloomington/Peoria, Decatur/Springfield and Rockford. The information comes from the Conference Board, an independent business membership and research group.

Employment Security Department Director Jay Rowell says the volume of help wanted ads has been consistent and is "a strong signal" of continuing need for workers.

The department manages a help-wanted website where workers can apply for many of the listed jobs. The IllinoisJobLink.com site features a "Resume Builder" tool to assist people in preparing a resume.

The Illinois Supreme Court has said it will start giving courts a chance to electronically file criminal and traffic case documents.

The court said Tuesday that counties can request approval from the high court to start electronically filing in trial courts. Chief Justice Rita B. Garman says it will make courts more efficient, conserve environmental resources and save taxpayer money.

The decision is the latest example of the court's push to modernize the state's courtrooms. The court has approved electronic filing for civil cases in 11 counties since a pilot project was launched in 2003. Another pilot program has allowed media organizations to electronically record court proceedings in several counties.

Champaign police say they are investigating a string of assaults on the University of Illinois campus that left four people injured.

Police say the victims in all four attacks reported being assaulted between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday as they walked on campus.

In each case, a group of six to seven men described as being in their mid-20s punched and kicked the victims. In a fifth incident a person reported that they were able to run away from a group of men in a blue vehicle yelling at him.

Police say three of the victims sought medical help for facial injuries.

Investigators don't know why the people were attacked but are warning people on campus to avoid walking alone in the dark.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn got an annual flu shot in part to help remind residents around the state about the importance of an annual vaccination.

Quinn received his shot Tuesday from a Walgreens pharmacist. His office says it's part of his agenda to improve the health and well-being of the people of Illinois.

The Chicago Democrat is encouraging residents to "to get to their nearest Walgreens or local pharmacy as soon as possible."

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated for influenza every year. Officials say approximately 784 flu-related admissions were reported in Illinois hospital intensive care units during the 2013-2014 flu season, resulting in 100 deaths.

Springfield officials say the city will be able to offer new programs and expand existing ones through its recycling fee increase.

The fee is expected to generate more than three times the annual revenue than it did before the charge increased. Public Works Director Mark Mahoney says the fee should bring in $720,000 this year, up from an average of $219,000 in previous years.

The city recycling fee went from 50 cents to $1.50 a month in April 2013.

City officials say the higher charge has allowed them to strengthen efforts to recycling during downtown events and increase marketing to expand recycling citywide. Mahoney says the fee has also made it possible for the city to expand waste collection and provide year-round pick-up services to residents.

The National Weather Service now says that at least three tornadoes touched down Monday across southwestern and central Illinois. Roofs were damaged, trees were uprooted and power interrupted but no serious injuries were reported.

Meteorologist Fred Glass said Tuesday that two tornadoes in southwest Illinois were classified as EF1s. That means they had wind speeds of 86 to 110 miles per hour.

Glass says one twister that touched down just northwest of the village of Freeburg cut a swath nearly one and a half miles long. The other tornado was west of New Baden in northwestern St. Clair County.

Meteorologist Llyle Baker says a third tornado near the central Illinois community of Moweaqua damaged a farm house. That tornado was an EF2 with winds of 110-120 mph.

WHOW's 92.3 FM repeater will be off the air today for about 2 hours, as tower crews complete the on-the-ground portion of the station's recent project to move that station's antennas up another 80 feet on the tower.

The antennas were moved to 280 feet above ground on the WHOW/WEZC tower last week, but the on-the-ground work to replace cabling was not finished. That work will take place today.

As a result, WHOW's 92.3 FM signal will be off the air after 10am today, for about 2 hours.

Steve Case, 54, Clinton was issued a Citation for Operating Vehicle with Expired Registration/or Registration Sticker. He was issued a promise to comply and was released.

Investigation into an accident which occurred at 0400, on October 12, 2014, revealed that Keyelee Ridgeway, 20, Beason was traveling westbound on Creek Road, east of Pleasant Valley. Ridgeway failed to negotiate a curve to the north. Ridgeway lost control and skidded into the west ditch colliding with the ditch embankment. Ridgeway’s vehicle sustained severe damage to the driver’s front tire and quarter panel from colliding with the ditch. Ridgeway’s vehicle was towed from the scene. Ridgeway was issued a citation for Leaving Scene of Accident-Vehicle Damage and No Valid Driver’s License and Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. Ridgeway was issued a Notice to appear and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT O LAW.

THE RAINY WEATHER IS CONTINUING TO DELAY HARVEST PROGRESS IN ILLINOIS.

THE COOL, WET CONDITIONS LEFT FARMERS WITH ONLY ABOUT FOUR DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK SAYS STATE CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER. CORN HARVEST ADVANCED TO 35 PERCENT COMPLETE…COMPARED TO 54 PERCENT FOR THE FIVE YEAR AVERAGE.

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29 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE BEEN HARVESTED…COMPARED TO 52 PERCENT FOR THE FIVE YEAR AVERAGE. AND 79 PERCENT OF THE CROP IS RATED IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION.

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26 PERCENT OF SORGHUM HAS BEEN HARVESTED…AND 15 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED. 15 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED WITH TWO PERCENT EMERGED.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS NOW RATED AT ONE PERCENT VERY SHORT…FIVE PERCENT SHORT…70 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND 24 PERCENT SURPLUS.

Gov. Pat Quinn is touting his record on veterans' issues during his re-election bid by announcing a coalition of military families and elected officials.

Supporters note the Democrat's attention on veterans with jobs programs, homebuyer initiatives and attending soldiers' funerals. Quinn appeared at the Monday event at a Soldier Field memorial statue.

Quinn is seeking a second full term against Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur). The venture capitalist is seeking public office for the first time. It's one of the most competitive gubernatorial races nationwide.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin plans to use a southwestern Illinois trade school as a backdrop to push for legislation that promotes technical job training. The lack of such training has opened a skills gap that means good jobs are going unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates.

The Illinois Democrat on Tuesday will discuss that workforce dilemma during a Tuesday visit to the Southwestern Illinois College campus in Granite City.

A Durbin introduced measure called the Community College Career Fund Act is meant to help community colleges train workers for high-needs technical jobs. Many of those jobs are unfilled due to a lack of qualified employees in the workforce.

Rauner is the Republican candidate trying to beat Quinn this November. He says he wants to let the income tax roll back from five-percent to three-percent by the end of his first term in office. By law, the rate should drop to three-point-75-percent in January, but Quinn wants to keep the rate where it's at. He says education and other vital services will suffer if the rate goes down because the state will lose billions of dollars.

A few more heavy hitters are headed to Chicago to stump for Governor Quinn and other Democrats. President Obama will be back in town next Monday, October 20th. Supporters will pay ten-thousand-dollars each to have dinner with the President at a home in Lincoln Park. Vice President Joe Biden will be in town a few days later, on October 22nd. He'll be stumping for Governor Quinn, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and Congressman Brad Schneider.

Governor Quinn still has a small lead over his Republican opponent Bruce Rauner. The latest "Chicago Sun Times, We Ask America" poll shows Quinn is up by just three-percentage points. Forty-four percent of perspective voters say they'd let Quinn keep his job if the election were today, while 41-percent say they'd back Rauner. The respondents say Quinn is the one who most understands their everyday concerns. But it's not all bad news for Rauner. The poll shows he has 19-percent of the support in Chicago. The general rule of thumb is that whoever picks up 20-percent of the vote in Chicago wins the race. Quinn and Rauner will go toe-to-toe in their second televised debate tomorrow night in Chicago.

Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur) and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn will debate for a second time as they battle to become Illinois' next governor.

The candidates are scheduled to meet Tuesday night at Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History. The debate is sponsored by the Chicago Urban League and the Business Leadership Council. It's expected to focus on issues important to African American voters.

Black voters in Chicago and its suburbs have been credited with helping Quinn to a narrow victory in 2010. Rauner has been aggressively trying to win over those voters in advance of the Nov. 4 election.

Quinn, of Chicago, is seeking his second full term. Rauner is a Winnetka businessman and first-time candidate.

Former President Jimmy Carter is scheduled to speak about a Middle East peace initiative at Illinois College.

According to reports, Carter will give an address Tuesday at an event that's open to the public.

Illinois College is in Jacksonville, located about 35 miles west of Springfield.

The 90-year-old Carter will speak as part of the Phi Alpha lecture series. It's named for a literary society at Illinois College. Previous speakers have included Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and journalist Helen Thomas.

Carter served in the White House from 1977 to 1981. He won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

The University of Illinois and the Mayo Clinic will use a $9.3 million federal grant to set up a new research center focused on data analysis and health care.

The university said Monday the grant from the National Institutes of Health will be used to create one of several new Centers of Excellence for Big Data Computing. The center will be on the university's Urbana-Champaign campus.

Officials of the university's Institute for Genomic Biology say the center will try to create an analytical tool for biomedical researchers to examine gene-based data.

The Institute for Genomic Biology and university's Department of Computer Science, Coordinated Science Laboratory, College of Engineering and National Center for Supercomputing Applications will all be involved with the center.

A 101-year-old monument is currently being restored at its site in a Bloomington park.

The McLean County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is receiving a $48,300 facelift that will repair and preserve it. Reports indicate the monument has sat at the northeast corner of Miller Park since May 30, 1913.

The monument features eight bronze tablets inscribed with the names of 6,053 local residents who fought in the American Revolution, War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Mexican War, Civil War and Spanish-American War. It stands 78 feet tall from the grade line and is topped with a 36-ton fluted Tuscan column.

Joe Gnazzo Inc., the New England-based company that's restoring the monument, has worked on several architectural treasures in the past, including Harvard Hall and the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston.

The USDA is raising the crop production forecast for Illinois. The state's Crop Statistician, Mark Schleusener, says soybean yields will come in at a record high.

[audio:rddCropYield21.mp3] [/audio]

That means Illinois will keep its ranking as the nation's number one soybean-producing state. Corn yields are reaching record highs. The state is expected to harvest 200-bushels-per-acre. Total corn yield will be more than two-point-three-billion-bushels.

Last week the Clinton City Council approved preliminary designs for a new Clinton Fire House.

Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters says she is behind the measure however, she wants to make sure every possible aspect is thought about. She recognizes the need is there for a new fire station, but her biggest concern is the affordability of the new station.

[audio:101414mayorfirehouse1.mp3] [/audio]

For the Mayor, there's many facets of this to consider. She explains the city will need to consider another building to maintain and have regular expenses for. Unlike many other city projects, Mayor Peters points to the fact the fire department cannot create it's own revenue to draw from to help fund the new building.

[audio:101414mayorfirehouse2.mp3] [/audio]

Now that the ball is rolling, the Mayor indicates she will begin her own "personal research". Mayor Peters will approach other communities who have built new fire houses in recent years. She will also analyze the finances of the City of Clinton to see how this could possibly be funded and how any borrowing that may need to take place will effect the future of the city.

[audio:101414mayorfirehouse3.mp3] [/audio]

It has been speculated the new fire house would likely be put in a parcel of land that belongs to the city. The specific area, the 200th block of East Washington Street, has not officially been designated as a likely landing spot because Mayor Peters feels if a developer wants to move there, they should be allowed the space.

[audio:101414mayorfirehouse4.mp3] [/audio]

The idea of a new fire station has been a dream of the Clinton Fire Department's dating back to the mid-90s. The Mayor says she has been aware of the dream of the Department's since she took over her post and has tried to keep herself educated on new fire houses.

She adds a new fire house would likely need room for the fire fighters to have room to do training exercises as well.

Daniel Briere [[ bree-AIR ]] knocked home a rebound just before the buzzer to end regulation as the Avalanche edged the Bruins 2-1 in a Columbus Day matinée at TD Garden. Jamie McGinn staked Colorado to a 1-0 lead early in the second period, but Loui Eriksson tied it for Boston with a power-play goal later in the frame. Reto Berra [[ RET-oh BARE-uh ]] made 27 saves for the Avs, who notched their first win of the season after consecutive shutout losses to Minnesota. Niklas Svedberg denied 28 shots in net for Boston, which suffered its third straight loss since a 2-1 season-opening win at Philadelphia last week.

Sang-Moon Bae held on to earn his second win on the PGA Tour Sunday at the Frys.com Open and that 2-shot victory propelled him into the top 100 in the world rankings.

Bae, who finished the week at 15-under-par 273, jumped from No. 195 in the world to No. 90 with the win.

There was not much change to the top 20 this week. Rory McIlroy remained No. 1 in the world and he was followed by Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Jim Furyk, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Jason Day, Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler from No. 2.

Hideki Matsuyama and Hunter Mahan both shook up the back end of the top 20. Matsuyama jumped one spot to 19, while Mahan vaulted two spots to 20. Jimmy Walker fell a pair to No. 21, while Chris Kirk dropped one to No. 22.

Alexander Levy, who won the rain-shortened Portugal Masters last week, also leapt into the top 100. Levy improved 36 spots from No. 110 to No. 74.

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida State is investigating whether or not quarterback Jameis [[ JAME-iss ]] Winston signed autographs for money. ESPN.com reports a company has several authenticated Winston signatures. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher says he has approached Winston about the endorsements, and the reigning Heisman winner denied the allegations. The company in question is James Spence Authentication, which is the same group that verified over 500 autographs for Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who is currently serving an indefinite suspension. A cursory search on the company's website found more than 340 certified Winston autographs. Winston was suspended for the Seminoles' victory over Clemson on September 20th for yelling an obscene phrase in the student union. He does not seem to be in danger of missing any games for the autographs.

>>Indiana QB Sudfeld Out For Season

(Bloomington, IN) -- An injured left shoulder will keep Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld sidelined for the rest of the season. He separated his non-throwing shoulder midway through the second quarter of Saturday's loss at Iowa. Sudfeld threw for 1,151 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions for the 3-and-3 Hoosiers. Freshman Chris Covington will start at quarterback for this Saturday's home game against sixth-ranked Michigan State.

>>North Carolina State Football Suspends Seven Players

(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina State football is suspending seven of its players for an off-campus incident involving BB guns. Wide receivers Jonathan Alston and Jumichael Ramos, defensive backs Josh Jones and Mike Stevens, linebacker Jerod Fernandez and defensive linemen Justin Jones and Pharoah McKever will all sit out Saturday when the Wolfpack visit Louisville. Details of the BB gun incident have been passed on to the university's Office of Student Conduct. Fernandez leads NC State with 58 tackles, while Alston has 14 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdowns.

(San Francisco, CA) -- All even at one, the National League Championship Series now shifts to San Francisco. The Giants host the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three at AT&T Park, with first pitch at 4:07 p.m. Eastern. John Lackey is scheduled to start for St. Louis, while San Francisco sends Tim Hudson to the mound. The best-of-seven series is knotted at a game apiece after the Cardinals won Game Two 5-4 on Kolten Wong's leadoff homer in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday in St. Louis. The Giants won the series opener 3-0 behind Madison Bumgarner. The Cards won two-of-three in San Francisco earlier this season.

>>Cards' Molina To Remain On Active Roster

(San Francisco, CA) -- The Cardinals are keeping catcher Yadier [[ YAH-dee-air ]] Molina on the active roster despite an oblique injury. He left Game Two against the Giants in obvious pain after grounding into a double play. Molina threw yesterday but did not swing a bat. The Cards' other catchers are Tony Cruz and A.J. Pierzynski [[ peer-ZIN-skee ]].

>>Orioles, Royals Try Again Tonight To Play ALCS Game Three

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Orioles and Royals will try again tonight to play Game Three of the American League Championship Series after it was rained out last night at Kauffman Stadium. Former Oriole Jeremy Guthrie is slated to start for Kansas City, while Baltimore will send Wei-Yin Chen [[ Way-Yin Chen ]] to the mound. First pitch is slated for 8:07 p.m. Eastern. The Royals lead the best-of-seven series two-games-to-none after winning the first two games in Baltimore. Game Four will now be played at 4:07 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday in KC, with Game Five, if necessary, at 4:07 p.m. on Thursday. The series would shift back to Baltimore for Game Six and Game Seven, if necessary, on Friday and Saturday.

>>Chip Hale Introduced As D'backs Manager

(Phoenix, AZ) -- Chip Hale is the new skipper of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was introduced Monday as the replacement for Kirk Gibson, who was fired with three games left in the season. Snakes general manager Dave Stewart says they wanted a manager they could build a foundation with. Hale served as bench coach for Oakland A's manager Bob Melvin the past three years and was previously a coach with Arizona under Melvin from 2007 to 2009. The D'backs had the worst record in the majors this season at 64-and-98.

>>Tigers Bringing Back Coaching Staff After Early Playoff Exit

(Detroit, MI) -- There will not be any changes made by Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski to the team's coaching staff. Dombrowski tells the "Detroit News" that manager Brad Ausmus and his assistants are under contract, and the club expects the entire staff to return in 2015. The Tigers were swept in the American League Divisional Series by the Baltimore Orioles after winning their fourth straight A.L. Central title. Detroit has not won a World Series championship since 1984.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams jumped out to an early two-touchdown lead but the 49ers stormed back for a 31-17 victory on "Monday Night Football" from the Edward Jones Dome. Colin Kaepernick [[ CAP-er-nick ]] threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns, one of which went 80 yards to Brandon Lloyd with just 14 seconds left in the first half. Kaepernick hit Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree for scores while rushing for 37 yards. Dontae Johnson returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown with about a minute to play as San Francisco improved to 4-and-2. Austin Davis threw for 236 yards with a touchdown to Lance Kendricks and the INT in defeat for St. Louis. Tre Mason ran for 40 yards while Benny Cunningham added 21 yards and a TD on the ground as the Rams fell to 1-and-4.

>>Rams Honor "Greatest Show On Turf"

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams recognized the "Greatest Show on Turf" during last night's game. Members of the 1999 team were on hand to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their Super Bowl championship. The current Rams wore the royal blue and yellow throwback uniforms. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt led a brief "Bob N' Weave" TD dance at halftime.

>>Giants' Cruz To Have Knee Surgery

(East Rutherford, NJ) -- The season is over for New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. Head coach Tom Coughlin says the wideout will need surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. Cruz was hurt leaping for a pass in the end zone in the third quarter of Sunday night's 27-0 loss to the Eagles. The injury brought the 27-year-old to tears as he was carted off the field. Cruz spent the night in a Philadelphia hospital before being transferred Monday to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. He had 23 catches for 337 yards and one touchdown in six games this season.

>>Jets' Milliner Has Torn Achilles

(Florham Park, NJ) -- The season may be over for New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. Head coach Rex Ryan said during his Monday press conference there's a definite chance Milliner is out for the year. The second-year player out of Alabama already missed several games this season with a high ankle sprain. Jets left guard Brian Winters also has an ACL injury and will have surgery.

University of Illinois freshman receiver Mike Dudek (Naperville, Illinois/Neuqua Valley HS) was added to the watch list for the 2014 Biletnikoff Award on Tuesday. The Biletnikoff Award is given annually to the nation's top receiver. Dudek is having a steallar freshman season, currently standing 19th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total receiving yards (539) and second among FBS freshmen.

Dudek posted one of the top receiving performances in school history against Purdue on Oct. 4, hauling in eight passes for 200 yards to become just the fourth Illini to total 200 or more receiving yards in a game. He ranks fifth among FBS players in scrimmage plays of 20-plus yards (12) and ranks second in the nation with 240 fourth-quarter receiving yards. His 18 first downs in the second half and overtime rank second nationally and his 11 plays of 15-plus yards after halftime lead FBS.

Dudek needs only 138 receiving yards to break Arrelious Benn's school record for receiving yards by a freshman and he would break Benn's freshman receptions record with 21 more catches. For the season, Dudek has 33 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns.

>>Illini Football Staffer Arrested

An Illinois football program staff member has been tentatively charged with driving under the influence.

According to court records, 32-year-old Ryan Cubit of Urbana was arrested early Sunday morning. He was released from Champaign County Jail on $3,000 bond.

Cubit has not yet entered a plea. He did not return an email from The Associated Press seeking comment and it's not clear whether he has an attorney.

Cubit is the director of football student-athlete development for the Illinois football team. He is also and the son of offensive coordinator Bill Cubit.

Coming off a thrilling come-from-behind 20-18 win on the road against nationally-ranked Indiana State, Illinois State (5-0, 2-0 MVFC) soared into the Top 10 in both national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) polls released Monday.

The Redbirds, one of just five remaining FCS teams still undefeated in 2014, moved up six spots to No. 9 in the FCS Coaches Poll and moved up five spots to No. 10 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25 after the tough road win against the Sycamores.

The win Saturday was the third of the season over a ranked FCS opponent for the Redbirds.

Illinois State made the biggest jump in the FCS Coaches Poll, moving up six spots after the 20-18 defeat of the then No. 22-ranked Sycamores, who dropped one spot in this week's poll to No. 23. Fellow Missouri Valley Football Conference member North Dakota State (6-0, 2-0 MVFC) was the unanimous No. 1 pick this week, receiving all 26 first-place votes for a total of 650 points. South Dakota State moved up to No. 16, following a 32-28 win at Missouri State, and Southern Illinois (No.17) and Youngstown State (No. 19) both dropped after losses last weekend. Northern Iowa rounds out the MVFC representatives in the FCS Coaches Poll at No. 21.

>>ISU Kicker Named Special Teams Player of the Week

Illinois State senior place kicker Nick Aussieker was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week Sunday, after nailing a game-winning field goal in the Redbirds' 20-18 win at No. 20 Indiana State on Saturday.

The honor is the first for Aussieker in his career at Illinois State and the fifth for a Redbird player this season.

Aussieker kicked the game-winning 20-yard field goal with three seconds left in the contest to lift the No. 15 Redbirds past the Sycamores on Homecoming at Memorial Stadium.

The Wildwood, Missouri, native also added a 34-yard field goal early in the third quarter, which put the first three points of the day on the scoreboard for Illinois State.

With his two field goals, Aussieker is now 7-for-7 on the season in field goal attempts for the Redbirds.

Regionals were held last week for the boys varsity team and one girl golfer, Rachel Borland. The boys played at the University of Illinois Blue Course in Urbana and Rachel played at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet.

Chase Reynolds advanced as an individual to the Sectional tournament shooting a round of 80 on the Par 72 course. Rachel shot a 114 and missed advancing to the girl's Sectional tournament by one stroke, ending her senior golf season.

Reynolds competed Tuesday in the boy's Class 2A Sectional held at the University of Illinois Orange Course (Par 72). He finished his freshman season shooting a round of 85. The cut to advance to the state tournament was 78.

School records show Reynolds is only the fourth freshman to advance to the Sectional tournament from Clinton. His 85 is the lowest round carded by any of the four freshmen who made it to Sectionals.

ON 10/10/14 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED SARAH J. PRAWL 36, CLINTON FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. PRAWL WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 10/11/14 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED RICHARD P. HEUERMANN 28, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND A ILLINOIS DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS WARRANT. HEUERMANN WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 10/13/14 CLINTON POLICE INVESTIGATED A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT IN THE 400 BLOCK E. WOODLAWN. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY BRANDON R. HIERONYMUS 23, CLINTON WAS EASTBOUND ON WOODLAWN STREET AND COLLIDED INTO THE CENTER SUPPORT OF THE WOODLAWN VIADUCT. HIERONYMUS WAS TRANSPORTED TO JOHN WARNER HOSPITAL. HIERONYMUS WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Megan Washburn, 32, Weldon was arrested and charged with Possess Cannabis with intent to deliver. Washburn posted the necessary bond and was released.

Dona Howe Amdor, 89, Farmer City was traveling eastbound on Prairie Chapel Road. James Gentry, 84, LeRoy was traveling westbound at the same location. Howe Amdor entered Gentrys lane of travel, striking the front and drivers side of Genrtys car. No injuries were reported on the scene. Howe Amdor was issued citations for improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed/ accident.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT O LAW.

Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur) saturated TV airwaves with jabs at Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and promises to "shake up Springfield" when he roared into the Illinois governor's race last year.

With the Nov. 4 election now weeks away, both Rauner and Quinn are trying to persuade voters they're the outsider who can bring much-needed change to Illinois.

Rauner touts his independence and background as a businessman - not a politician - as a central selling point. He says he doesn't need money from special interests. He won't take a paycheck or a pension.

Rauner says: "I'm not part of the system, and I can stand up and fight against it."

The Winnetka venture capitalist sometimes shows up to campaign events on his Harley.

A West Peoria man is accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend and then attacking sheriff's deputies and trying to grab one of their guns during his arrest.

According to a sheriff's report, 28-year-old George I. Jernigan came home drunk Thursday and began shoving his girlfriend into walls. Charges against him include aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated domestic battery and battery of an unborn child.

According to reports, the woman, 25-year-old Brenda Banks, is four months pregnant.

She told officers she grabbed a knife for protection during the confrontation and that her boyfriend was cut during the struggle.

Jernigan is being held on $25,000 bond. It was not immediately clear if he already had an attorney.

Colleagues have honored a retired University of Illinois professor they say deserved to win a Nobel Prize for inventing the first light-emitting diode, or LED.

Nick Holonyak Jr. invented the tiny red light that made fiber-optics networks, DVDs and other technologies possible. On Tuesday the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to Japanese scientists who invented the blue LED.

Holonyak and many colleagues questioned the award. They say the blue LED wouldn't have been possible without the work the 85-year-old Holynak and others did.

Reports indicate Holynak's colleagues recognized his achievement at the Friday dedication of the new University of Illinois Electrical and Computer Engineering building.

Dean Andreas Cangellaris says the decision is baffling. He says: "We can't figure it out. The world can't figure it out."

Police are investigating two reports of a male intruder in women's apartments within 90 minutes of each other near the University of Illinois campus in Champaign.

According to reports, a woman told police she woke up around 3 a.m. to find a man lying in bed with her. She says the man ran out of the apartment when she confronted him. A police report says he was wearing an orange or red sweater.

A woman in a different apartment in the same building says she woke up around 4:30 a.m. to find a man in bed with her. She says he was wearing a blue and white shirt and ran out of the apartment when she confronted him.

The CEO of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity says the University of Illinois chapter will remain active even though it was suspended by the university.

Wynn Smiley says UI suspended the local chapter through 2016 due to a May incident in which about 40 fraternity members vandalized some cars and a dorm on campus. According to reports, police estimated the vandalism resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Although Smiley acknowledges the students' behavior is inexcusable, he says he thinks the university went too far with its punishment.

The McLean County coroner and the Bloomington fire chief have jointly announced plans to retire in mid-November.

Beth Kimmerling, county coroner for the past 14 years, and Mike Kimmerling, a 27-year veteran of the fire department, said Friday that they will step down from their positions. The husband and wife, who reside in Normal, both cited a desire to spend more time with family due to the emotional demands of their jobs.

Beth Kimmerling has served as McLean County's elected coroner since 2000. Although her current term doesn't expire until 2016, she will spend her last day at the coroner's office on Nov. 14.

Mike Kimmerling was appointed as Bloomington's fire chief in August 2009 following the retirement of former Chief Keith Ranney. His final day at the fire department will be Nov. 11.

The Logan County Zoning Board of Appeals has voted not to recommend a proposal to rezone over 320 acres of farmland for coal waste storage.

Although the zoning board voted against the Viper Mine plan Thursday, reports indicate the decision whether to approve it is ultimately up to the Logan County Board. An attorney representing the Elkhart Village Board says the village opposes the proposal because of the intended site's proximity to a local water supply. He says the village has passed a resolution in protest.

Local residents are also concerned that the coal ash could taint the air.

Mine officials say they are committed to safety and would comply with environmental regulations.

The county board is expected to vote on the proposal later this month.

Gas prices are at their lowest point in nearly a year. According to the Lundberg survey, the average price of Gas in the U.S. has dropped 12 cents in the past three weeks. The average price for a gallon of unleaded is now about three-dollars-and-26 cents. Gas prices are highest in the San Francisco Bay Area with motorists there paying three-66-per gallon. The lowest average price is two-93 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We're paying less at the pump as crude oil prices have dropped to near four-year lows.

Crude oil prices are the lowest in four years, and they could keep falling. British crude fell to 88 dollars a barrel in London trading today, and Saudi Arabia has said it can accept prices as low as 80-dollars a barrel. Kuwait's oil minister said on Sunday that OPEC is not likely to cut production to keep prices up.

The wave of technology in today's classrooms is sweeping central Illinois.

The Monticello School district began two new pilot programs this school year involving new technology and according to Superintendent Dr. Vic Zimmerman, one involves new Chrome Books for various school work. He explains students and parents will both be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the Chrome Books.

[audio:10914schooltech1.mp3] [/audio]

The second pilot program was applied for by teachers in the district. Dr. Zimmerman notes three teachers were selected to have Chrome Books in their classroom at each building. He explains the Chrome Books are going to have a variety of uses for students and educators.

[audio:10914schooltech2.mp3] [/audio]

Zimmerman believe one-to-one technology will eventually be the future of the classroom. He stresses the next generation has grown up only in a world of technology and schools need to meet them where they are at.

The past few weeks, the DeWitt County Board has been going through special budget sessions in hopes of getting a feel for how the budgeting process works and getting everyone on the same page.

Last year, the DeWitt County Board majorly cut the budget of the DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC). According to Ruth Stauffer, the Executive Director of the DCDC, she has been in attendance of the budget meetings being held by the County Board and she is asking for a restoration in funding.

[audio:101314budgetrestore1.mp3] [/audio]

The DCDC is funded primarily through the City of Clinton, the County Board and Farmer City. Stauffer indicates the consequences of not having the funding from the County held them back significantly this past year.

[audio:101314budgetrestore2.mp3] [/audio]

Stauffer questions the motives of the cuts last year. She explains the reasons last year for cutting their budget was to put that money towards the marina, and while the County can do what it likes with it's money, she feels the marina can bring in money while the DCDC cannot.

[audio:101314budgetrestore3.mp3] [/audio]

Stauffer feels the DeWitt County Development Council is a great asset for the area. She explains while many businesses would likely open aside from their assistance, she feels the services they provide and pursuing businesses mean more to the community than many realize.

Kevin Harvick punched his ticket into the Eliminator Round for the Sprint Cup championship by winning Saturday night's Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He beat second-place finisher Jeff Gordon to the line by 0.6 seconds. It was the third win of the season for Harvick but his first time in victory lane for a Sprint Cup Series race since April at Darlington. He joined Joey Logano as the drivers who have clinched a spot in the Eliminator Round. Post-race, tempers flared in the garage area where Denny Hamlin had to be restrained from getting into a physical altercation with Brad Keselowski, and then moments later, Matt Kenseth and Keselowski were involved in a brawl in between a pair of Team Penske haulers. During the final two laps, Keselowski and Hamlin had tangled multiple times while battling for position. Keselowski retaliated against Hamlin after the checkered flag had waved by bumping him from behind and attempting to spin him out. The Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is up next Sunday.

(St. Louis, MO) -- NFC West foes are featured on "Monday Night Football" this week as the San Francisco 49ers face the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The 49ers are seeking their third straight win after beating the Eagles and Chiefs the last two weeks at home. San Francisco now plays four of its next five games on the road. The Niners are 3-and-2 overall. The Rams have dropped their last two games against the Cowboys and Eagles to fall to 1-and-3. St. Louis fell behind 34-7 at Philadelphia before a furious rally fell short in the fourth quarter. The Rams were swept by the 49ers in their season series last year.

>>Giants WR Cruz Tears Patellar Tendon

(Philadelphia, PA) -- The New York Giants will be without wide receiver Victor Cruz for the rest of the season. He tore his patellar tendon during New York's 27-0 loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia. Cruz was carted off the field in the third quarter. He had 21 catches for 321 yards and a touchdown coming into Sunday's game.

>>Pats Lose RB Ridley

(Orchard Park, NY) -- New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley is facing a major knee concern. NFL.com reports Ridley suffered a torn ACL Sunday and will undergo an MRI on Monday. Ridley has 317 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Pats also lost linebacker Jerod Mayo to a knee injury during the game.

>>Browns Center Mack Leaves Early

(Cleveland, OH) -- Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack may be done for the season. NFL.com reports Mack broke his left leg during the second quarter of Cleveland's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. He was carted off the field. Mack has started every game of his NFL career dating back to 2009. He was selected 21st overall out of California in 2009.

(Atlanta, GA) -- Matt Forte ran for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Bears rolled to a 27-13 win over the Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Forte added 77 yards on ten catches while Jay Cutler threw for 381 yards and a touchdown. Alshon Jeffery had five grabs for 136 yards and Brandon Marshall hauled in six catches for 113 yards. Chicago improved to 3-and-3. Matt Ryan threw for 271 yards with a touchdown and interception for Atlanta, which was held to 42 yards on 13 carries as a team. Julio Jones made four catches for 68 yards as the Falcons fell to 2-and-4.

>>Packers Shock Dolphins

(Miami, FL) -- Aaron Rodgers found Andrew Quarless for a touchdown from four yards out with three seconds remaining to give the Packers a 27-24 victory over the Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Rodgers finished with 264 yards and three scores as Green Bay improved to 4-and-2. Jordy Nelson caught nine balls for 107 yards and a score while Randall Cobb added 58 yards and a touchdown in the win. The Packers struggled rushing the ball, as Eddie Lacy gained just 40 yards on 14 carries to lead the team. Ryan Tannehill threw for 244 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Mike Wallace and Jarvis Landry each hauled in scores while Lamar Miller ran for 53 yards and a TD. The Dolphins fell to 2-and-3.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Kolten Wong hit a solo homer down the right field line in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Giants in Game Two of the NLCS from St. Louis. Matt Adams had given the Cards the lead in the bottom of the eighth with a solo homer, but Matt Duffy scored from second in the top of the ninth on a wild pitch to tie the game. Oscar Taveras hit a solo shot in the seventh to knot the game at three, and Matt Carpenter smacked a solo homer in the third for St. Louis. Seth Maness [[ MAY-ness ]] grabbed the win. Cards catcher Yadier Molina left early with a strained oblique. Sergio Romo suffered the loss in relief. The best-of-seven series is locked up at 1-1 with Game Three on Tuesday in San Francisco.

>>ALCS Shifts To Kansas City For Game Three

(Kansas City, MO) -- The American League Championship Series resumes Monday night from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The Royals have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series after winning the first two games over the Orioles in Baltimore. Jeremy Guthrie will take the ball for KC against his former team. It will mark his first-career postseason start. The O's counter with left-hander Wei-Yin [[ way-yen ]] Chen, who gave up five runs in three-and-two-thirds innings in his start during Game Two of the ALDS against the Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. Eastern.

Nick Aussieker kicked a 20-yard field goal with three seconds remaining, helping Illinois State survive a late rally by Indiana State for a 20-18 win on Saturday to stay unbeaten.

The Redbirds (5-0, 2-0 Missouri Valley) overcame a 6-0 halftime deficit and charged ahead with a 26-yard rushing touchdown by Marshaun Coprich and a 2-yard score by Bryce Holm to make it 17-6 with 9:45 remaining.

Indiana State (4-2, 1-1) stormed back as Matt Adam led two scoring drives, the first ending with an 18-yard connection to Gary Owens. Adam hit A.J. Johnson for a 37-yard strike to push ahead with 1:13 remaining. The Sycamores failed on two-point attempts after each of the touchdowns, keeping the score 18-17.

Illinois State rallied with a 7-play, 47-yard drive fueled by a 27-yard run by Coprich on third-and-10 to get into position for Aussieker's game-winner. Coprich finished with 21 carries for 126 yards.

>>Western Illinois Upsets Youngstown State

Trenton Norvell threw for 291 yards and four touchdown passes to lead Western Illinois to a 30-24 win over Youngstown State on Saturday night.

Jody Webb put Youngstown State up 17-14 at half with a 9-yard touchdown. But Western Illinois scored 16 unanswered. Joey Borsellino caught a touchdown from Norvell for 35 yards, then Norvell hit Hi-C Scott for a 3-yard score and Nathan Knuffman made a 23-yard field goal with 8:18 to play.

Webb's second touchdown brought Youngstown State within six with 6:08 remaining in the game. Western Illinois was forced to punt on its next possession, but the Penguins pinned Youngstown State at the 7 with 40 seconds remaining.

Lance Lenoir caught eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns for Western Illinois. Webb ran for 80 yards on eight carries.

Melvin Gordon rushed for 175 yards and four touchdowns, Corey Clement added 164 yards and a 72-yard score and Wisconsin held off Illinois for a 38-28 victory Saturday.

Gordon padded his resume for a potential Heisman Trophy candidacy with another highlight-reel performance. The junior eclipsed 1,000 yards on the season in just Wisconsin's sixth game, a school record.

Wisconsin (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) started Joel Stave at quarterback, but Gordon did most of the damage against the league's worst rushing defense.

Illinois (3-4, 0-3) did rally in the fourth quarter with backup Aaron Bailey at quarterback. He led them to two scores to get within 38-28 with about 3 minutes left before Illinois recovered an onside kick.

But Bailey threw an interception with 2 minutes left to seal Wisconsin's win.

>>Eastern Kentucky Rallies Past Eastern Illinois

Dy'Shawn Mobley had 181 total yards and two touchdowns, Andrew Lloyd kicked a game winning 29-yard field goal in overtime, and Eastern Kentucky overcame a 21-point second half deficit to beat Eastern Illinois, 36-33 on Saturday.

Jared McClain finished with 198 yards passing and one touchdown and added 64 yards on the ground for the Colonels (6-0, 2-0 Ohio Valley), who rallied from a 26-5 deficit midway through the third by scoring four consecutive touchdowns to take a 33-26 lead.

Jalen Whitlow lead the Panthers on an 11 play, 64 yard drive to tie game and sent it to OT, capped off by a 2-yard TD pass to Adam Drake with 1:04 left. Whitlow had 356 total yards and three touchdowns to lead Eastern Illinois (1-5, 1-1).

Eastern Illinois had first possession in overtime, but Shepard Little's fumble was recovered by Kiante Northington on the second play.

IT’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN ILLINOIS AND GOVERNOR PAT QUINN SAYS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP VICTIMS.

THERE ARE 115 TO 125 THOUSAND DOMESTIC CRIMES IN ILLINOIS EACH YEAR…AND THAT’S WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT SAYS GOVERNOR QUINN, THAT WE FOCUS ON HOW TO STOP THIS VIOLENCE.

[audio:dvmonth.mp3] [/audio]

THE STATE SUPPORTS MORE THAN 70 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS AROUND THE STATE THAT CAN HELP WITH LEGAL PROBLEMS…SHELTER AND OTHER ASSISTANCE AT NO COST. FOR MORE INFORMATION…CALL THE STATEWIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE AT 1-877-TO-END-DV.

Thursday night's short DeWitt County Board Meeting saw discussions involving several county issues.

DeWitt County Highway Engineer Mark Mathon placed a couple items on the agenda to be discussed and voted on next week. Mathon was not present at the meeting but Board Member Terry Hoffman requested that he address the Highway Department's 5 Year Plan at next week's meeting. Hoffman noted several items placed on the plan by former Highway Engineer Craig Fink were past their five year projection plan and not updated.

[audio:101014highwayplan1.mp3] [/audio]

Board Chair Sherrie Brown said Mathon will be present next week and can address the plan at that time. Board Member David Newberg requested Mathon be contacted and given advanced notice.

[audio:101014highwayplan2.mp3] [/audio]

The Board also approved the hiring of Cameron Maine Transport to dry dock the Gibson style houseboats at the Clinton Lake Marina. To hear the entire 17 minute Marina discussion, listen below.

With only six races left in the Sprint Cup season, the 12 remaining drivers in the Chase are battling for eight spots. The series heads to Charlotte this Saturday and Talladega after that before the cut down is made. Joey Logano is the only driver guaranteed a spot in the Eliminator Round.

After a highly criticized playoff run, Rick Nash started off the new season firing as the Rangers defeated the Blues, 3-2, in both team's opener at the Scottrade Center. Nash gave the Blueshirts a 1-0 lead in the first period and then tallied the game winner with under two minutes left in the third. Chris Kreider scored the other New York goal. Henrik Lundqvist turned away 23 of 25 shots in the victory. Jaden Schwartz and Paul Stastny [[ tare-uh-SANK-oh ]] each lit the lamp in the third period for St. Louis to tie the game at one and two, respectively. Brian Elliot gave up all three goals on 25 shots.

Patrick Kane scored in the shootout to lift the Blackhawks to a 3-2 win over the Stars in Dallas to open the season. Patrick Sharp tied the game at two midway through the third period on a power play. Duncan Keith also scored for Chicago. Corey Crawford gave up two goals on 34 shots for the victors. Trevor Daley and Cody Eakin scored in the second period for Dallas. Kari Lehtonen [[ KAR-ee LET-ih-nin ]] allowed two goals on 26 shots in the setback.

A pair of struggling teams hookup on Sunday at the Georgia Dome as the Chicago Bears face the Falcons in Week Six action. Both teams enter the contest riding two-game losing streaks. The Bears have dropped consecutive games to the Packers and Panthers to slip to 2-and-3 on the year. The Falcons are coming off road losses to the Vikings and Giants and are also 2-and-3 with both of their wins coming at home. Chicago won the last meeting with Atlanta 30-12 at Soldier Field in 2011.

Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky meet on Saturday as two of the four remaining undefeated teams in the Ohio Valley Conference race. EIU is 1-0 after beating Austin Peay on Sept. 20 to run its consecutive OVC wins streak to 13 games. EKU is 2-0 with wins over UT Martin and Austin Peay.

EIU is off to a 1-4 start following a loss at Ohio on Sept. 27. The Panthers had a bye week last week. EIU has won its last three games following a bye including a 24-7 win over Eastern Kentucky in Richmond in 2012.

Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky both feature a transfer from the University of Kentucky as a key component in their offense this season. EIU has quarterback Jalen Whitlow with 1,188 yards of total offense. Whitlow has four rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns. EKU has running back Dy'Shawn Mobley who ranks 27th in the nation in rushing yards with 530.

Hear all the action live at 5 pm on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

After beginning the 2014 season with four-consecutive home games, No. 15 Illinois State (4-0, 1-0 MVFC) will hit the road for a tough conference matchup against No. 20 Indiana State (4-1, 1-0 MVFC) Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Junior running back Marshaun Coprich continued his torrid start to the 2014 season with a career-best day against No. 9 South Dakota State last Saturday. The Victorville, California, native set a career high with 174 yards on the ground and scored a career-best four touchdowns in the 45-10 win over the Jackrabbits. For his efforts, Coprich was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Week and a College Sporting News All-Star.

Fresh off a puzzling loss, the Wisconsin Badgers will attempt to bounce back when they host a depleted Illinois Fighting Illini squad in Big Ten Conference action at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday.

The Illini receiving some devastating news over the weekend, as quarterback Wes Lunt is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to a broken leg. Lunt suffered the injury during a 38-27 loss to Purdue last Saturday, which was the third defeat in the last four games for Illinois.

Wisconsin may not have lost such an important piece, but it took a huge hit to its Big Ten title chances when it dropped a 20-14 decision to Northwestern last weekend. The Badgers were among the nationally ranked entering the contest, but they now find themselves with a 3-2 record and an 0-1 start to the league slate.

There hasn't been much parity in this rivalry recently, with Wisconsin earning wins in eight of the last nine meetings, including a 56-32 triumph in Champaign last season. The all-time series is a bit more even, with the Badgers clinging to a 37-36-7 advantage.

It is going to be virtually impossible to replace Lunt. The Oklahoma State transfer was leading the Big Ten in passing yards per game before his injury. In fact, he was the only player in the league posting more than 300 yards a week. Reilly O'Toole has the unfortunate task of stepping in, but he has completed just 52.6 percent of his passes for 428 yards and four picks in three games this season.

Fortunately, there is skill at wide receiver for O'Toole to work with as Mike Dudek leads the Illini in receptions (33) and receiving yards (539), and is coming off an incredible 200-yard effort against Purdue. Geronimo Allison (26 receptions, 449 yards, four TDs) leads the way in touchdown receptions, and running back Josh Ferguson (25 receptions, 233 yards, two TDs) is a nice option out of the backfield.

Wisconsin is one of the best defensive teams in the Big Ten, as it leads the way in average yards allowed (285.6) and is second in scoring defense (15.6 ppg). The team has 13 sacks while giving up only four.

Two teams that need to win out to get into the playoffs will look to get back on the winning track this week as the regular season of the high school football season begins to wind down.

Coming off two consecutive losses for the first time this year, the Clinton Maroons will hit the road to take on Warrensburg-Latham tonight. The Maroons, coming off a 49-21 loss at Tuscola last week, play two of their final three games on the road, including a late season game at Sullivan-Okaw Valley.

The 2-4 Maroons must win the final three games of the regular season to qualify for the playoffs for the first time under Coach John Hayden.

Game time tonight is at 7 pm. Hear all the action on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

After two tough losses, the Cerro-Gordo Bement Broncos will return to Cerro Gordo for a Little Okaw Valley Conference matchup with Argenta-Oreana. The Bombers have struggled on the season after losing star quarterback, and Kentucky baseball-commit Keegan McHood to a broken leg.

The Bombers are 1-5 on the season while the Broncos are 2-4 and have lost their last two games.

If the Broncos do not win out, they will miss the playoffs for the first time in the coop era with Bement and only the second time under the tenure of head coach Andy Kerley. After tonight's home matchup, the Broncos face an uphill battle on the road at Arcola and at Maroa-Forsyth.

Tonight's game starts at 7 pm and can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Other games across the area on this Friday night...

Central Illinois

Clinton at Warrensburg-LathamSullivan-Okaw Valley at ShelbyvilleTuscola at Decatur St. Teresa

The Pekin Police Department has launched a new motorcycle patrol unit.

Police hit the streets of Pekin on motorcycles Wednesday for the first time in 40 years. Chief Greg Nelson says two Harley Davidson motorcycles will be used to improve traffic control and accident response. Nelson says the department is responding to a recent citizen poll that showed traffic problems were a main concern.

Nelson says the bikes are being leased for $3,000 per year and all of the costs throughout the next two years will be covered with funds donated by the Pekin Police Foundation.

Nelson says the department hasn't conducted motorcycle patrols since at least the '60s.

Those testifying Thursday included Quinn's former chief operating officer Andrew Ross who says he didn't play a big role. Quinn's former deputy chief of staff says an impetus of the program was the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy in 2010.

The Legislative Audit Commission is supposed to sign off on state audits and is reviewing one outlining "pervasive" issues with the program. Members of the bipartisan commission took the rare move of issuing subpoenas for testimony and documents to get more answers.

Commission members say they'll keep the audit open until their questions are answered.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner are each detailing their biggest professional "regrets" in their Peoria debate.

Quinn says he's "definitely not perfect," and doesn't think any human being is. He says he regrets not cutting lawmakers pay - and his own - to spur an overhaul of the state's underfunded pension systems sooner.

Rauner says not every company his private equity firm has created or acquired has been successful. He also noted he's "rarely" seen business executives engage in unethical behavior. He says he's tried to take action to quickly correct that.

With school back in session, the importance of a good breakfast should be emphasized to students.

Breakfast is one of the major links to finding success in the classroom. Monica Nyman, with the St. Louis Dairy Council, explains it's important for both kids and adults alike. Lack of breakfast can cause several side effects which can impair students during the morning hours at school. Nyman stresses the fact that breakfast allows kids to think better in morning classes.

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Nyman notes most schools offer breakfast programs each day for students. She adds kids who qualify for free or reduced lunches will for breakfast also. Parents can check school websites to see daily breakfast menus. Nyman says sending kids to school for breakfast can also save time in the morning for most parents.

[audio:91714breakfast2.mp3] [/audio]

Only half of students receiving free or reduced lunches are taking advantage of breakfast. Nyman explains some schools are implementing non-traditional breakfasts in order to combat the issue. This program brings breakfast right into the classroom for students.

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Nyman says research show that a solid breakfast also helps to reduce discipline issues in schools as well as academic.

For more information, you can find the St. Louis Dairy Council online at www.stldairycouncil.org.

One local high school has dedicated themselves to implementing the latest technology in the classroom.

Lincoln Community High School has followed the recent wave of ever-changing technology in recent years. Superintendent Robert Bagby notes nearly every computer on site is less than four years old. He adds the School Board has put aside funds to fulfill requests for certain items. Several technology grants will also be pursued by teachers this school year.

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Bagby stresses even though more could always be done in the classroom, he's currently satisfied with the state of technology at LCHS. There have been less textbooks bought in recent years, which paves the way for more technology to enter the school.

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Bagby mentions most technology also needs a trial-and-error period. He feels the students and teacher have provided great feedback on new items brought in to LCHS.

The two former Clinton elementary schools that are now vacant are likely to lose excess equipment and materials from inside the building this weekend.

The Clinton Community Educational Foundation will be holding a set of auctions at both Washington and Webster Schools this Saturday. According to Claudine Wargel, with the CCEF, various items, including air conditioners and storage furniture, from both schools will be placed on the auction block for bidders to choose from.

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The CCEF is very grateful to Lance Schmid Auctions for participating on Saturday. Wargel notes the idea for the auction was born due to the fact that many of the former schools' items shouldn't go to waste.

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The auction on Saturday will start at Washington School at 9 am then shift to Webster School at noon. Washington School is located at 411 North Mulberry Street in Clinton and Webster School is at 612 North George Street.

All proceeds from the event go towards the Clinton Education Foundation and their many efforts.

As heard on The Big 1520 AM and 92.3 FM WHOW the Clinton Maroons fell 19-13 to the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals Friday night.

For the Maroons, Alec Cooley rushed nineteen times for one hundred forty-one yards and a touchdown. Alex Wheat carried five times for thirty-eight yards and had two receptions for twenty-seven yards. Noah Griffin went to the air fourteen times and connected on nine of them for ninety-eight yards, one interception and one touchdown. Tanner White was three for nine through the air for twenty-eight yards and an interception. White also had four catches for twenty yards. Tyler Vidmar hauled in six catches for ninety-one yards and a touchdown.

For the Cardinals, Austin Tucker rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown. Tucker caught three passes for seventy-five yards and another touchdown. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown. Daniel Belcher was four for ten through the air for seventy-seven yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Cardinals improve to 4-3 on the season, 3-2 in conference, while the Maroons fall to 2-5 on the season, 1-4 in conference.

The next Maroons broadcast will be next Friday night at home against the Meridian Hawks at 7 PM.

For the Broncos (3-4), Dalton Woolridge had 6 carries for 49 yards. He also went 2-8 for fifteen yards and two interceptions. Chase Macnamera had 14 carries for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Dalton Growler had 15 carries for 117 yards and five touchdowns. Gage Fowler had two carries for 20 yards.

For the Bombers (1-6), Brad Burbes had 8 carries for 117 yards. Nathan Gentzel had 19 carries for 196 yards and a touchdown.

Next Broncos broadcast will be next friday at 7pm when the Broncos travel to Arcola.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has made a quick public appearance with Gov. Pat Quinn as he wages a tough re-election battle against Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

The two Democrats paid a visit Wednesday to a DePaul University bookstore in Chicago. They greeted students, ordered coffee and hot chocolate and shared small talk that included references to Clinton's recently born granddaughter.

Clinton and Quinn then headed to a private fundraiser at a downtown Chicago law firm. The fundraiser was closed to the media, and less than a handful of reporters were invited to witness the shared coffee stop.

Clinton is a potential 2016 presidential contender and native of Park Ridge in Chicago's suburbs. Quinn is one of about a dozen Democrats she is campaigning for before November.

The federal government is giving more details about enhanced Ebola screening that's being implemented at five U.S. airports. At a joint Wednesday briefing with the CDC, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas [[ my-YORK-is ]] said all travelers from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia will undergo enhanced screenings at airports beginning Saturday. The screenings will go into affect at Washington Dulles, Newark, JFK, O'Hare and Atlanta-Hartsfield airports. Mayorkas says the enhanced screenings will include targeted questions to passengers and taking their temperatures with a non-contact thermometer.

An Illinois legislative panel investigating management and spending problems with Gov. Pat Quinn's 2010 anti-violence program continues for a second day.

The bipartisan panel oversees state audits and is reviewing one outlining "pervasive" issues with Quinn's Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. Former Quinn chief of staff Jack Lavin is expected to appear Thursday morning.

The commission heard testimony yesterday from officials including former Quinn adviser Billy Ocasio and Barbara Shaw, the former head of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority

Quinn championed NRI in 2010 to combat violence and says he addressed issues as he discovered them.

But Republicans have deemed it a "political slush fund" to help Quinn secure votes in a close election. The issue dogs his current re-election bid against Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

A Marquette Heights man has been sentenced to 27 ½ years in prison for fatally stabbing a Peoria nightclub owner.

Bryan Stewart pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and aggravated arson and was sentenced in Peoria County court. He killed Todd Scholl and burned his body in October 2013.

Prosecutors agreed to drop a first-degree murder charge and lesser arson count in the plea deal. He will have to spend at least 15 years in prison.

Firefighters and police found Scholl's body when they responded to a building fire. Prosecutors say two fires were set on the building's first floor, including one set on Scholl's body. An autopsy showed Scholl had been stabbed five times.

Fire officials say a child playing with a lighter likely started a fire that displaced two families at a Bloomington apartment complex.

Reports indicate officials estimate the fire in the three-bedroom, two-story town house Tuesday caused about $80,000 worth of damage. No injuries were reported. The apartment next door sustained smoke and water damage.

A woman rented the home where she lived with her four children, ages 3 to 12.

Deputy fire chief Les Siron says the fire started when one of the kids was playing with a lighter near a closet.

The woman didn't have renters insurance. The Red Cross is assisting the family.v

Illinois State Representative Bill Mitchell of Forsyth stopped by the DeWitt County Friendship Center Wednesday afternoon.

The Representative stopped by to discuss a new Alzheimer's Awareness license plate. He explains the plates haven't been printed yet because 1500 people need register for them and it goes to Alzheimer's research.

[audio:10914mitchellalzheimers1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Rep. Mitchell, he a part of the baby boomer generation, and says as his he and others get older, the effects of Alzheimer's will become to set in for some, and he hopes to bring awareness to the State's effort to help fund research for the disease.

[audio:10914mitchellalzheimers2.mp3] [/audio]

There are several ways to sign up for an Alzheimer’s Awareness license plate. You can visit your local Secretary of State's office or his website.

Rep. Mitchell passed legislation last year for the special license plates and the money goes towards the Alzheimer's Awareness Fund to support the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Disease and related Disorders Association.

Tony Corrente is resigning from his position as the Pac-12 Coordinator of Football Officiating. The conference released a statement on Wednesday announcing his resignation for personal and professional reasons. Jim Blackwood will take over as the interim coordinator. Blackwood has worked at the college and NFL level as a referee and official. A search for Corrente's replacement will begin after the season.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues begin the regular season on home ice as they host the New York Rangers tonight at Scottrade Center. The Blues lost to the Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs last year, while the Rangers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Kings.

>>Blackhawks' Versteeg Out Three Weeks

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks will be without forward Kris Versteeg to start the season. Head coach Joel Quenneville [[ KWEN-vill ]] says Versteeg is expected to miss about three weeks with a lower-body injury. Versteeg had 10 goals and 19 assists in 63 regular season games for the Blackhawks last season. Chicago opens the season tonight at Dallas.

>>Sharks Spoil Kings In Opener

(Undated) -- The NHL regular season is underway. The slate kicked off with four games on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Kings raised their Stanley Cup championship banner prior to a 4-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Boston Bruins scored late to secure a 2-1 win over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. North of the border, the Montreal Canadiens scored with under a minute to play to sink the Maple Leafs 4-3 in Toronto. The Vancouver Canucks outdueled the Calgary Flames 4-2 in Alberta. There's a full slate of games Thursday, including the Bruins, Flyers and Flames playing back-to-backs.

(New York, NY) -- Bulls big man Joakim [[ JO-kim ]] Noah and Wizards forward Paul Pierce have been fined by the NBA. Both were involved in a shoving match during Monday's preseason game. Noah and Pierce were each hit with 15-thousand-dollar fines. The Bulls continue preseason play Saturday at the Bucks.

>>Pacers Ink Vogel To Extension

(Indianapolis, IN) -- The Indiana Pacers are locking up head coach Frank Vogel with a multi-year contract extension. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The 41-year-old is entering his fourth full season as Pacers coach after taking over on an interim basis in January 2011. He led Indiana to its second straight Central Division title last season. The Pacers previously rewarded Vogel with an extension in January of 2013.

>>Four Wizards Suspended For Leaving Bench Against Bulls

(New York, NY) -- The NBA is suspending four Washington Wizards players one game each. DeJuan Blair, Nene [[ neh-NAY ]], Daniel Orton and Xavier Silas have all been penalized for leaving the bench when teammate Paul Pierce got into a shoving match with the Bulls' Joakim [[ JO-kim ]] Noah during Monday's preseason game. Noah and Pierce were each hit with 15-thousand-dollar fines. The one-game suspensions will be served once the regular season begins. The Wizards' first game is Wednesday, October 29th at the Miami Heat.

>>Spurs' Danny Green Apologizes For Selfie Outside Holocaust Memorial

(Berlin) -- San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green is apologizing for taking a selfie outside the Berlin Holocaust Museum. Green posted a picture on Instagram Wednesday with the caption, "You know I had to do it one time lol #Holocaust." He took the photo down and later tweeted he made a mistake and was insensitive. Green also tweeted he has great respect for Germany's history and showed poor judgment in his caption. The Spurs are in Europe as part of the NBA Global Games.

(New York, NY) -- Packers linebacker Julius Peppers is the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week Five. Peppers recorded three tackles, a half-sack and returned an interception 49 yards for a touchdown in Green Bay's 42-10 rout of Minnesota last Thursday.

>>Bears Injury Report

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears are getting ready for Sunday's matchup with the Falcons. Eight players did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Linebackers Jonathan Bostic and Lance Briggs were out with a back and ribs injury, respectively. Matt Forte's absence was not injury related according to the official injury report.

>>Colts Take On Texans For First Place In AFC South

(Houston, TX) -- First place in the AFC South is on the line tonight as the Indianapolis Colts take on the Houston Texans in the NFL's Thursday night game at NRG Stadium. Both teams are 3-and-2 on the season. The Colts have won three straight over the Jaguars, Titans and Ravens after an 0-and-2 start. Indianapolis has beaten Houston the last three meetings and has won nine in-a-row playing on Thursday night. The Texans are coming off a 20-17 overtime loss at Dallas, their third road game in four weeks. Star wide receiver Andre Johnson is still seeking his first touchdown and 100-yard game of the season.

>>Prosecutors In Peterson Case Asking Judge To Be Recused

(Conroe, TX) -- Prosecutors in the Adrian Peterson child abuse case are filing a motion to recuse Judge Kelly Case for calling both state's attorney Brett Ligon and Peterson's lead lawyer Rusty Hardin "media whores." Case apologized to both men Wednesday. A hearing on whether Judge Case will be removed is set for November 4th. If the judge is not removed, Peterson's trial will begin December 1st. A decision on his recusal has yet been to be made. Peterson has been accused of beating his four-year-old son with a stick, leaving cuts and bruises on the preschooler. Peterson's lawyer also asked the court that the case be heard quickly so Peterson can resume his career and restore his reputation.

>>Broncos' Julius Thomas Fined For Chop Block

(Denver, CO) -- The NFL is fining Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas for his chop block on Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell. ESPN reports the league is docking Thomas more than 82-hundred-dollars for the hit that left Campbell with an MCL sprain. The play drew a flag and the NFL said on Monday that the officiating crew in Denver made the right call. It was deemed an illegal chop-block because Thomas blocked Campbell in the thigh or lower leg while he was engaged up high with Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians called it the dirtiest play he's ever seen.

>>Bengals WR Green Leaves Practice After Aggravating Toe Injury

(Cincinnati, OH) -- Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green left Wednesday's practice after aggravating a toe injury. He stopped during warmups for practice and threw his helmet down before taking of his shoe and also throwing that to the ground. Green was then carted away. He was originally hurt during the season opener against Baltimore and left the following week's game against Atlanta in the first quarter without catching a pass. Green played each of the last two weeks and has 17 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns this season. The 3-and-1 Bengals host the 3-and-2 Carolina Panthers this Sunday.

>>Calvin Johnson Dealing With High Ankle Sprain

(Allen Park, MI) -- The status for Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is in doubt for the team's Week Six matchup at the Vikings. Johnson re-aggravated a high right ankle sprain during their loss to the Bills this past weekend. He did not practice on Wednesday. Head coach Jim Caldwell mentioned the possibility of resting his star wideout this week to get him healthy for the rest of the season.

>>Raiders Carr Expects To Play

(Alameda, CA) -- Raiders quarterback Derek Carr expects to be back on the field for their Week Six game with the Chargers in Oakland on Sunday. Carr practiced on Sunday as he recovers from ankle and knee injuries. The Raiders had a bye this past week after Carr wasn't able to finish the team's loss to the Dolphins in Week Four.

(Irving, TX) -- There may be another sexual assault case against Cowboys defensive back C.J. Spillman. The "New York Daily News" reports attorney Gloria Allred claims Spillman groped a massage therapist last December while with the San Francisco 49ers. Spillman was never charged with a crime and denied the alleged incident happened. Grapevine police are investigating whether Spillman attacked a woman last month at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. He hasn't been arrested or charged.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Cardinals are still basking in the glow of their four-game win over the Dodgers in the National League Division Series. They have two more days to prepare for the San Francisco Giants and the League Championship Series. Game One of that best-of-seven matchup is Saturday in St. Louis.

>>Cardinals Seek Revenge Against Giants

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Cardinals will be out for revenge when they face the Giants in the NLCS. The Redbirds blew a three-games-to-one lead against San Francisco in the NLCS two years ago, with the Giants winning three straight to beat St. Louis and eventually go on to sweep Detroit in the World Series.

>>Wainwright To Start Game One

(St. Louis, MO) -- Adam Wainwright is slated to be on the mound for the Cardinals in Game One of the NLCS. He had been the projected starter for a Game Five against the Dodgers, if necessary, although manager Mike Matheny said Lance Lynn could get the nod instead with Wainwright battling arm stiffness.

>>NLCS Start Times Announced

(New York, NY) -- Start times are set for the National League Championship Series. The first two games Saturday and Sunday at Busch Stadium are set for 7:07 p.m. Tuesday's Game Three in San Francisco will have a 3:07 p.m. first pitch., followed by Game Four Wednesday at AT&T Park at 7:07 p.m.

>>Cubs Announce Spring Training Schedule

(Chicago, IL) -- The Cubs have announced their spring training slate for next season. The Cubs will start exhibition play March 5th against the Athletics and Giants in split squad action. Fifteen of the 29 games will be at Cubs Park in Mesa, Arizona. The Cubs and White Sox will play twice.

>>Rockies GM O'Dowd Resigns

(Denver, CO) -- Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd is stepping down. He has resigned from his post after 15 seasons. Jeff Bridich has been named his replacement. O'Dowd was the just the second GM in team history, taking over for Bob Gebhard after the 1999 season. The Rockies reached the postseason twice under O'Dowd but the team went just 66-and-96 this season, the second-worst mark in the 22-year history of the franchise. Colorado last reached the playoffs in 2009 and hasn't had a winning season since 2010.

>>Royals To Offer Shields Extension

(Undated) -- The Kansas City Royals are reportedly set to offer "Big Game James" a big time deal. CBS Sports reports the team is ready to give their ace James Shields a five-year extension worth 80-million-dollars. The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent after the season ends. Shields is the highest paid player on the team at 13-million. He's made 22-million during his stay with KC. Shields and the Royals are in the ALCS, starting Friday and are looking for the franchise's first World Series appearance since winning it all in 1985.

Tower climbers moved the transmitting antennas for WHOW's 92-point-3 FM signal, up the station's tower some 80 feet on Wednesday, after the Federal Communications Commission approved the change earlier this year.

The antennas are now mounted some 280 feet above ground on the WHOW-WEZC tower, giving the 92-point-3 FM signal greater coverage of DeWitt County and surrounding area with its 250 watts of power.

Illinois' top Democrats have joined first lady Michelle Obama at a rally for Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's re-election bid.

Speakers include several office holders seeking re-election on Nov. 4, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and other constitutional officials. Chicago-area congressmen Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky were also among the speakers.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle told thousands filling the Pavilion at the University of Illinois at Chicago on Tuesday that she interacted with Quinn's Republican challenger Bruce Rauner (ROW' nur) when he wanted a position on a health board. She says she didn't choose him and doesn't regret it.

Obama was in Wisconsin earlier in the day and attended a fundraiser at a Chicago restaurant.

A new northern Illinois historical marker will honor the work of a man who was among the first in the U.S. to advise farmers on soil and crop production.

According to reports, the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association will honor the late William George Eckhardt on Saturday in DeKalb.

A group of farmers, bankers and businessmen hired Eckhardt in 1912 after becoming concerned about the area's declining soil fertility. Eckhardt was a soil expert who recommended farmers on improvements such as crop rotation.

The group became the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in 1926.

The historical marker is the third to be placed in recent weeks. One was at the farm bureau offices in Sycamore, and another at the site of an early hybrid corn breeding plot.

The Legislative Audit Commission subpoenaed seven former Quinn administration officials connected to the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. They're due to start appearing before the bipartisan committee that oversees state audits Wednesday. Organizers say testimony could take all day.

Quinn championed the program in 2010 to help target neighborhood violence. However, state auditors found "pervasive" problems with management and spending and county and federal authorities are investigating further.

Critics deemed it a "political slush fund" to help Quinn shore up votes in a close gubernatorial contest. Quinn dismisses those claims, but the issue dogs his campaign. He faces a challenge from Republican Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

Quinn says he addressed issues and abolished the agency overseeing the program.

State officials say more high school kids in Illinois are choosing to take advanced placement tests. Mary Fergus, with the State Board of Education, says 23-percent of all juniors and seniors took the test this spring.

[audio:rddAdvanced11.mp3] [/audio]

Advanced placement courses range from things like History, to Calculus and Foreign Language. The classes offer a higher level of learning and can help students earn college credit.

Bruce Rauner is blaming Governor Quinn for the deaths of nearly 100 kids in Illinois. His latest ad points out that all of the kids were on the DCFS radar but eventually died of abuse or neglect.

[audio:rddKidDeath11.mp3] [/audio]

Rauner says Quinn was ultimately responsible for protecting the kids' safety before they died, between 2010 and 2013. A Quinn spokesperson says the deaths occurred after the state made changes to its reporting requirements. The change called it neglect if a child died in an unsafe sleeping condition, like sleeping in the bed with a parent.

Recent polling has Governor Pat Quinn leading his Republican challenger Bruce Rauner by 4 points. The We Ask America poll has the incumbent Democrat up 44-40 percent. The Reboot Illinois poll shows that Quinn has strengthened his lead in Chicago, now leading 62 – 14 percent. Quinn also has an overall lead with women voters. Rauner finds his strength in the collar counties and downstate voters. The poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

A retired University of Illinois physicist is questioning whether a Nobel Prize awarded Tuesday to two Japanese and a Japanese-born American scientist ignores the work he and others did to invent the world's first LED.

Nick Holonyak (HOHL'-nyak) Jr. invented that first, red light-emitting diode back in 1962. Some colleagues have said the invention deserved the Nobel. Holonyak never won the honor and never asserted he deserved it.

But on Tuesday the 85-year-old Holonyak called the decision to bypass his work "insulting." He said the award winners' blue LED wouldn't be possible without his invention.

LEDs have made fiber-optics networks, DVDs and a range of other technologies possible.

University of Louisville professor Delaina (de-LAY'-nuh) Amos works with LEDs. She said the blue LED deserves the award, but so does Holonyak's.

A federal lawsuit claims that police in Hammond were way out of line when they broke a car window and Tasered a passenger during a traffic stop. The incident took place September 24th when officers demanded that Jamal Jones get out of a car. The suit says Jones refused because he feared the officers would harm him. A cellphone video of the incident shows an officer breaking the car window with a club and using a Taser on Jones. Jones was in the car with a female friend and her two children when the traffic stop took place.

The local United Way exceeded their 2013 goal during their annual drive for their yearly budget in DeWitt County.

The organization just wrapped up their yearly fund distribution which is decided by local volunteers and donors. Debbie Bogle with the United Way, explains they raised over $63-thousand in 2013 which surpassed their goal of $40-thousand. She notes there are many worthy agencies and organizations that will benefit from the funds.

[audio:10814unitedgoal1.mp3] [/audio]

United Way begins each fundraising year with nothing and the total is always determined by what each community is willing to give. Bogle notes the sum of many components help to acheive the yearly total.

[audio:10814unitedgoal2.mp3] [/audio]

There are many ways for local citizens to get involved in this year's United Way campaign. Bogle explains local businesses have allowed their employees to donate through payroll deductions in the past. She stresses every dollar counts during these yearly drives and stays in the community it is raised in.

[audio:10814unitedgoal3.mp3] [/audio]

Bogle notes this year's drive will continue through the end of 2014. Funds won't be distributed till late Spring or early Summer in case of late donations.

The Maroa-Forsyth school district has recently received some heat from the community about the school's finances and district leaders are hoping a new transparency measure will help remedy the situation.

A financial advisory panel has been constructed in the district made up of mostly community members and a few leaders from within the school district. According to Mike Williams, Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools, the group is going to review past budgets and present suggestions for the Board of Education going forward.

[audio:10814budgetgroup1.mp3] [/audio]

Last year, Maroa-Forsyth schools put in effect major cuts to the budget and Williams wants to be open and honest with the community. He feels the cuts need to be explained and the circumstances of why there are certain expenses that may look appealing to cut.

[audio:10814budgetgroup2.mp3] [/audio]

Williams feels this process is all about getting information out to the community and being up front and honest about the budgeting process within the school district.

He notes last year's major cuts were posted on the district's website and they even held community forums to get the information to the public.

A drawing to determine trapping privileges at Weldon Springs State Park will occur Friday, October 24, 2014. Names must be submitted to the park office prior to the drawing by calling 217-935-2644. Lottery entries must include your name, address, phone number and trapping license number. One trapper will be drawn to trap the park, where statewide regulations and season dates apply.

Also, a drawing to determine trapping privileges at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area will take place Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Applicants must be present for a lottery drawing to be held at the park office. Five trappers and two alternates will be drawn to trap an assigned zone. Inquiries can be directed to the park office at 217-935-8722.

The local Boy Scout troop sold several food items to help fund their yearly needs at the 46th Annual Apple & Pork Festival.

Boy Scout Troop #142 sold a large amount of apple cakes throughout Apple & Pork Weekend. Zachary Strove, with the troop, explains the proceeds would go toward all areas of the boy scouts. Items such as equipment and badges need to be paid for yearly and the apple cakes help to offset costs.

[audio:10414applescouts1.mp3] [/audio]

Strove noted some of the trips taken by the Boys Scouts throughout the year including several survival tests. He added Apple & Pork sales make it possible to have less fundraisers each year to make these trips possible.

[audio:10414applescouts2.mp3] [/audio]

This year's Apple and Pork Festival drew just under 95-thousand people.

Rest assured, however, that the late Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler would still recognize the conference where they once relied on rock-hard defenses.

After all, even though it seems every game ends up 45-38 and that spread offenses are running rampant, defense still has an often overlooked foothold in the 14-team league.

The Big Ten is represented by six of the top 20 teams in the nation in total defense, five of the top 20 in scoring defense and five of the top 25 in stopping the run and interceptions.

>>NC High Schooler Catfished On College Commitment

(Rocky Mount, NC) -- A North Carolina high school football star celebrated his commitment to the University of Florida earlier this week, only to learn he was duped. The "Rocky Mount Telegram" reports defensive end Houshun Gaines announced at Nash Central High School he'd be joining the Gators. Gaines believed he was communicating with coaches from Florida on Twitter, though it turns out it was an impostor. The University of Florida could not comment due to NCAA rules. Gaines seemed to make light of the incident on Twitter, replying to a follower who referenced former Notre Dame star Manti Teo [[ MAN-tie TAY-oh ]] by tweeting, "At least you didn't get catfished into thinking you had a girlfriend."

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Top pick Andrew Wiggins scored a game-high 18 points but the Timberwolves suffered a 103-90 loss to the Pacers to open the preseason in Indiana. Wiggins was just 4-of-11 from the field but made 8-of-10 free throws. The Kansas product was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who shipped him to Minnesota in the Kevin Love trade in August. Fellow first round pick Zach LaVine had five points, five rebounds and four assists. Second overall pick Jabari Parker makes his NBA preseason debut on Wednesday as the Milwaukee Bucks play the Memphis Grizzlies in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears are making roster moves, cutting cornerback Isaiah Frey while promoting Al Louis-Jean to the active roster. The team also signed linebackers DeDe Lattimore and Terrell Manning to the practice squad. Defensive end David Bass was waived while defensive end Roy Philon and receiver Rashad Ross were cut from the practice squad.

>>Bears Hit Practice Field

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears hit the practice field today to prepare for Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago is 2-and-3, one game behind Detroit and Green Bay in the NFC North and tied with Minnesota. The Falcons are 2-and-3 this season. Sunday's game kicks off at 3:25.

>>Lions Sign Former Broncos Kicker Prater

(Allen Park, MI) -- The Detroit Lions have signed former Pro Bowl kicker Matt Prater to a one-year deal. The move comes after rookie Nate Freese and Alex Henery combined to go 4-of-12 on field goals after the first five weeks of the season. Henery was released on Monday. Prater hit 25-of-26 attempts last year in Denver, but the Broncos released him after serving a four-game suspension for violation of the substance-abuse policy.

>>Former NFL RB Johnson Charged With Aggravated Battery

(Miami, FL) -- Former NFL running back Larry Johnson is facing charges of aggravated battery after an altercation at a South Beach nightclub. The 34-year-old was arrested early Tuesday, with NBC Miami reporting he punched another man and threatened to cut him with a broken bottle. Johnson was being held on 75-hundred-dollars bond. He last played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2011. Johnson spent his first seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins.

>>Bridgewater Back As Vikings Prep For Lions

(Eden Prairie, MN) -- Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is back practicing as the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. The teams will meet on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium. Bridgewater missed last week's loss in Green Bay with an ankle injury. The Vikings are 2-and-3 on the season. The Lions are tied with the Packers for the division lead at 3-and-2, but beat Green Bay head-to-head in Week Three.

>>Lions' Tate Irked At Bills Carrying Schwartz Off On Shoulders

(Detroit, MI) -- Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate is voicing his displeasure after the Buffalo Bills carried defensive coordinator and former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz off the field following Sunday's victory at Ford Field. Tate tells 105.1 FM in Detroit that he heard the move was planned ahead of time at the request of Schwartz if the Bills won. Tate called it a terrible, disrespectful gesture, saying he would have snatched Schwartz off the players' shoulders and thrown him to the ground if he knew he wouldn't get fined. Schwartz was fired as head coach of the Lions in December after five seasons.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Cardinals are onto the National League Championship Series for the fourth straight season. Matt Adams clubbed a go-ahead, three-run homer off Clayton Kershaw in the seventh inning to lift the Cards to a 3-2 win over the Dodgers in Game Four of their NLDS at Busch Stadium. St. Louis wins the best-of-five series three-games-to-one. Shelby Miller pitched five-and-two-thirds innings of two-run ball in a no-decision. Marco Gonzalez got the win with a scoreless inning of relief and Trevor Rosenthal nailed it down in the ninth for his third save of the series. Kershaw struck out nine while allowing just four hits in six-plus innings to take the loss, his second of the series. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning on Matt Kemp's double-play grounder and Juan Uribe's [[ yoo-REE-bay's ]] RBI single. The Cardinals will play the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS starting Saturday.

>>Giants Edge Nationals, Advance To NLCS

(San Francisco, CA) -- The San Francisco Giants are heading to the National League Championship Series for the third time in five years. Joe Panik scored on a wild pitch by Aaron Barrett in the seventh as the Giants edged the Washington Nationals 3-2 at AT&T Park in Game Four of the National League Division Series. Panik also drove in a run on a groundout in the second after Gregor Blanco drew a bases-loaded walk to score a run. Ryan Vogelsong pitched five-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball in the start while Hunter Strickland earned the win and Santiago Casilla notched the save. San Francisco will face the St. Louis Cardinals for a trip to the World Series starting Saturday. Bryce Harper drove in both runs for Washington, with one coming on a solo homer into McCovey Cove in the seventh. Gio Gonzalez gave up two unearned runs in four innings while Matt Thornton was charged with the loss.

>>Cubs' Mueller Resigns, Manny Not A Replacement

(Chicago, IL) -- Bill Mueller won't return next season as Cubs hitting coach. He has resigned just over a week after assistant hitting coach Mike Brumley was fired. ESPN reports Manny Ramirez is not an option to replace Mueller. Ramirez spent time this season as a player-coach with Triple-A Iowa.

A local Clinton businessman continues to recouperate at home following a serious motorcycle accident in Arizona in August.

Scott Baum, owner of Baum Chevrolet-Buick, was riding with several friends from the Clinton area, in Kingman, Arizona on August 18th, when the motorcycle came down on Baum's right leg.

He was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital, then later transferred to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield where he was treated from August 27th thru last Saturday when he was released.

After 2 surgeries in Las Vegas to salvage the leg and curtail infection, surgeons at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield were able to transplant muscles and soft tissue to cover a shattered tibula and fibula for Scott. This enables the orthopedic surgeon in Springfield to track the lower bone growth.

Baum will be recovering for another 6 weeks while the tracking is recorded on the bone growth.

Scott tells Regional Radio News that he and his wife Nancy along with his father Richard, his mother Marjorie and sister Stephanie, all deeply appreciate the support they've received from the DeWitt County community.

The annual fire truck that concludes on the downtown Clinton square caps off fire prevention week in Clinton.

For an estimated 20 years, the fire truck parade has been hosted by the Clinton Fire Department and according to Fire Chief Shawn Milton, the parade features fire departments from across DeWitt County and even farther out including Lincoln and Warrensburg among many others.

[audio:10914firetruckparade1.mp3] [/audio]

As a part of fire prevention week, the Fire Department makes there way into the Clinton schools to bring awareness to the students about fire safety. Chief Milton indicates they teach the kids the basics and he hopes they incorporate those in their homes.

[audio:10914firetruckparade2.mp3] [/audio]

Something the fire department has been advocating for many years now is a new fire station. This last Monday at the Clinton City Council meeting, the Council approved preliminary studies to be done for a new fire station and the Chief says that is something he's very excited to see get going.

[audio:10914firetruckparade3.mp3] [/audio]

The fire truck parade concludes each year on the square and the fire department brings out their smoke house to have the kids practice getting out of a house with a fire in it. The Chief says they also do several awards voted on by the various departments before the parade starts at the high school.

Illinois public health officials say they've received hundreds of comments from residents as they consider regulating the processing and sale of unpasteurized milk products.

There's still two weeks before the public comment period ends Oct. 20. According to reports, state regulators want to create a two-tier system that would apply to raw milk from cows, goats, sheep, water buffalo and other hoofed animals.

Federal data show between 300,000 and 400,000 Illinoisans drink raw milk. At issue is risk of illness versus claims of health and whether the state wants too much or too little regulation.

Supporters, like Tim Kelly of Springfield, say they feel stronger when they drink raw milk.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says regulations are necessary to make raw milk safer.

Conservation police in Illinois say they're seeing an increase in the number of arrests this fall for illegally digging and harvesting ginseng.

Police say it's because the price for the root has gone up. Digging ginseng on state land, trespassing on private land to harvest ginseng and digging ginseng in a nature preserve are misdemeanors. Officers say it's happening in Bureau County in northern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, among other places.

Bureau County police say they confiscated 72 ginseng plants from two men who were caught digging in the Miller Anderson Woods State Nature Preserve a couple of weeks ago.

Reports indicate wild American ginseng roots can be sold on the medicinal herb market for up to $1,000 a pound.

Health officials are reassuring people that there have been no suspected cases of Ebola in Illinois. Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says they've been working closely with the CDC, local health departments, and hospitals to monitor for any potential cases. He says they will alert the public immediately if there are any suspected cases within Illinois' borders.

Democrats are pumping more money into competitive House races to protect four incumbents in Minnesota, Illinois and New York.

The party is increasing its spending on two Republican-held seats in Nebraska and Iowa that represent some of the Democrats' best chances to win on GOP turf.

The national party is cutting back on spending in California, Pennsylvania and Michigan as opportunities for gains have diminished four weeks to midterm elections.

Republicans are expected to pad their majority on Nov. 4 as President Barack Obama's low approval ratings in the sixth year of his tenure remain a drag on Democrats. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has outpaced its GOP counterpart in fundraising, and the party has increased its advertising spending $12.5 million on top of its initial $43.5 million ad buy.

She's expected Tuesday at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Organizers say she'll encourage early voting. She appears in a Quinn television ad released Monday where she notes the Chicago Democrat's efforts to boost Illinois' minimum wage and outreach to veterans

The first lady recently appeared at events for gubernatorial candidates in Maine and Massachusetts. She's also expected in Michigan and Iowa this week.

Early voting starts in Illinois this month, with some voters able to do so during a grace period this week.

Last week President Barack Obama campaigned for Quinn and attended a fundraiser.

Quinn, who's seeking a second full term, is being challenged by Republican businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

The state's Fraternal Order of Police wants Governor Quinn to have another four years in office. They announced their endorsement today. FOP President Chris Southwood says Quinn has shown strong leadership over the past four years, especially when it comes to protecting public safety. The organization represents more than 35-thousand active duty and retired police officers in Illinois.

The dreaded Emerald Ash Borer or EAB has expanded its presence to more Illinois counties. The invasive pest responsible for killing millions of ash trees in North America, has been confirmed in 14 new counties, including five that are located outside the current state quarantine zone intended to prevent the spread of the beetle.

Scott Schrimer is the E-A-B program manager for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. He says traps used by the department uncovered signs of the bugs in new areas in Central and Southern Illinois.

[audio:EAB1.mp3] [/audio]

Schirmer talks about the southern expansion of EAB.

[audio:EAB2.mp3] [/audio]

Newly-infested counties are encouraged to begin putting the quarantine restrictions into practice. For further information about the beetle, visit www.IllinoisEAB.com on the internet.

Along with crucial statewide offices being voted on in November, there will be several key local referendums that will be on the November 4 ballot.

In Piatt County, east of DeWitt County in central Illinois, voters there will be voting on whether to implement a one-cent sales tax that would go towards the educational institutions of the county. Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, Susan Wilson explains they have part of their district in Piatt County, and this would be money county schools could use on facilities and other like causes.

[audio:10714piattsalestax1.mp3] [/audio]

Beginning tonight, voters are encouraged to attend a pair of informational sessions about the sales tax proposal. The measure failed earlier this year in DeWitt and McLean Counties, both also part of the Blue Ridge district and according to Wilson, she feels if the voters are informed of the tax, they may get more support for it.

[audio:10714piattsalestax2.mp3] [/audio]

The estimated amount of money the Blue Ridge district would stand to gain from the proposal would be just short of $60-thousand. Wilson says to put that in perspective, that is almost what Mansfield generates in sales tax dollars over the course of the year.

[audio:10714piattsalestax3.mp3] [/audio]

The first public informational session is today (Tuesday, October 7) at 7 pm in the junior high school art room. Wilson says the next meeting is October 23.

She encourages voters to come and get information on the tax and to be informed as they head to the polls in November.

Those who may have passed by the school buildings of the Maroa-Forsyth district may be wondering what was going on Monday morning.

Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools, Mike Williams, indicates the district was going through a mandatory intruder drill. He explains the state has mandated each district to perform an intruder drill given the spike in in-school violence over the past year.

[audio:10714intruderdrill1.mp3] [/audio]

The intruder drill is added to the many drills already in place for Maroa-Forsyth. According to Williams, they have to outline a plan for each individual scenario and that planning involves several representatives from different groups within the district.

[audio:10714intruderdrill2.mp3] [/audio]

When it comes to school buildings' security, Williams feels Maroa-Forsyth buildings are very secure. He explains they have gone through extensive measure in recent years to ensure the safety of students across their three buildings.

[audio:10714intruderdrill3.mp3] [/audio]

While many of the security measures have been installed over a period of several years, Williams says it's not a stretch to say the school has likely invested $250-thousand in security upgrades, and continues to to make those investments.

Williams notes the middle school is receiving new security cameras thanks to the one-cent sales tax that passed a few years ago in Macon County.

Monday night Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers introduced the Clinton City Council and the community members on hand to the newest member of his force.

Mike Bennett is a Clinton-native and according to Chief Lowers is someone he has worked with in prior years and comes to the community from Heyworth, where he was instrumental in many popular and effective programs.

[audio:10714newofficer1.mp3] [/audio]

Mike's son pinned his badge after he took his oath of office and many other members of the Clinton Police Department were on hand as well.

In other business from the Monday night meeting:

>>Greg Myroth with AMEC gave an update on the extensive sewer project work that is nearing completion.

>>The Council approved the reclassification for liquor licenses to be acquired by for banquet halls. That motion passed 4-0, Commissioner Nan Crang abstained. She is part owner of the Copper and Brass Room on Clinton's south side.

>>The Council approved the preliminary planning and design for a fire station through the Farnsworth group. Those costs were not to exceed $11,200. We'll have more on this story later this week on Regional Radio News.

Florida Gators freshman quarterback Treon Harris is being investigated for sexual assault. The school issued a statement saying it is working with Gainesville Police to assist with collecting of forensic evidence. The backup quarterback is accused of sexually assaulting a female student at a campus residence hall early Sunday morning. Harris has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities. Down 9-0, he took over for starting quarterback Jeff Driskel late in the third quarter of Saturday's game against Tennessee and helped rally Florida to a 10-9 win.

(Chicago, IL) -- After playing in the FIBA World Championships this summer, Bulls guard Derrick Rose took the next step as he prepares for the NBA season. Rose played in the Bulls' preseason opener against the Wizards Monday Night at the United Center. In 14 minutes, Rose scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting with four assists and three rebounds. Chicago plays its second exhibition game Tuesday night at the Pistons.

>>Bryant Shines In Preseason Debut

(San Diego, CA) -- Kobe Bryant looked fantastic in his return to the court for the Lakers in preseason action. After air balling his first shot, Bryant went on to score 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting with five assists and two rebounds in 21 minutes. Los Angeles beat the Nuggets 98-95 in San Diego. Bryant only played in six games last season due to various injuries.

>>LeBron Wants NBA To Take Care Of Players

(Independence, OH) -- After the NBA struck a multi-billion-dollar TV deal, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James says the owners cannot cry poor in the next labor negotiations. The league announced a new nine-year television package that will pay the league north of 25-billion-dollars. James told reporters that owners claimed they were losing money in the last negotiations, but the new television deal and the amount being paid for franchises tells a different story. The current CBA came to be in December 2011 following a 161-day lockout. The league claimed it was losing 300-million annually, with 22 out of the 30 owners operating at a loss. The current collective bargaining agreement will be up in 2017.

(Dallas, TX) -- The Blackhawks drop the puck on the regular season Thursday night with a trip to Dallas to face the Stars. The contest will get underway at 7:30 from American Airlines Center. Chicago returns home Saturday for the opener at United Center against the Buffalo Sabres.

>>Blues Begin Season Thursday Against Rangers

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues are just two days away from starting the regular season. They open up at home Thursday night against the New York Rangers at Scottrade Center. The Blues will also host Calgary on Saturday before heading out on the road for games at Los Angeles, Arizona and Anaheim.

(Minneapolis, MN) -- A new detailed report from the "Minneapolis Star-Tribune" says Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has led a troublesome life off the field. Peterson will appear in a Texas court Wednesday to face charges of child abuse against his four-year-old son, but new details of his life are coming to light. The report states Peterson was subject to a sexual misconduct investigation in 2011 and has filed multiple misleading tax records through his charity, the All Day Foundation. The report also indicates Peterson engaged in group sex with up to four women, including his brother who was a minor. The report also says Peterson has "at least" six children with six different women.

>>Dolphins Suspend Derrick Shelby Following Arrest

(Miami, FL) -- The Miami Dolphins are suspending defensive lineman Derrick Shelby indefinitely following his arrest over the weekend. Shelby was detained early Saturday morning and was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. The Fins say they are disappointed to hear of Shelby's arrest, and his suspension is for "conduct detrimental to the team." The Fort Lauderdale Police Department says the third-year pro was touching females without their permission at a night club, and refused to leave when asked. Police reportedly tased Shelby three times in order to take him into custody. He has six tackles and two sacks this season for the Dolphins. Shelby joins several players in the NFL removed from the field after being arrested for off-field incidents, including Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy and former Ravens running back Ray Rice.

>>Source: NFL To Return To LA

(Los Angeles, CA) -- A new report says the NFL is coming back to Los Angeles. The NFL is planning on relocating a team or two to Los Angeles as early as the 2015 or 2016 offseason. NBC Sports sources say the St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are on the list of potential teams that may make the move to the City of Angels. Possible sites for a venue include the AEG project at LA Live in downtown, and a 60-acre parking lot at Hollywood Park recently purchased by Rams owner Stan Kroenke [[ KRONK-ee ]]. Los Angeles has been without an NFL franchise since the Rams and Raiders left after the 1994 season.

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears say safety Chris Conte re-entered Sunday's loss to Carolina with a concussion. Conte left the contest and went through protocol before going back in the game, but left one play later. He was ultimately diagnosed with his second concussion of the season.

>>Seahawks Hold Off Redskins

(Landover, MD) -- Russell Wilson threw for 201 yards and ran for 122 as the Seahawks were able to pull out a 27-17 win against the Redskins on "Monday Night Football" at FedEx Field. Wilson also totaled three touchdowns, two through the air and one on the ground. Seattle jumped out to a 17-0 lead, but needed some key plays to hold on. Punter Jon Ryan ran for a first down on a fake field goal leading to a Marshawn Lynch touchdown catch and a 24-10 lead. Seattle is 3-and-1. Bouncing back from a poor performance last time out, Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 283 yards and two TDs. DeSean Jackson had a big night hauling in five receptions for 157 yards including a 60-yard score, but the 'Skins still fell to 1-and-4.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Kolten Wong blasted a two-run homer in the seventh inning to lift the Cardinals to a 3-1 win over the Dodgers in Game Three of the National League Division Series from Busch Stadium. Wong's homer broke a 1-all tie and gives St. Louis a two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-five series. Matt Carpenter also went deep for the Cardinals while John Lackey picked up the win with eight strikeouts over seven innings of one-run ball. Trevor Rosenthal closed it out for the save. Hanley Ramirez tied the game in the sixth with an RBI double to score Yasiel Puig [[ YAH-see-EL pweeg ]], who broke a streak of seven straight strikeouts with a triple. Hyun-Jin Ryu [[ ree-OO ]] gave up a run over six innings while Scott Elbert was charged with the loss. The teams will play Game Four from St. Louis on Tuesday.

>>Nationals Beat Giants In NLDS G3

(San Francisco, CA) -- The Washington Nationals are back in their National League Division Series after a 4-1 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game Three at AT&T Park. The Nats broke through for three runs in the seventh inning, with two scoring when Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner threw away a sac-bunt by catcher Wilson Ramos. Asdrubal Cabrera added an RBI single and Bryce Harper belted a long homer in the ninth for Washington. Doug Fister pitched seven innings of four-hit ball for the win. Bumgarner gave up three runs in seven frames to take the loss. Brandon Crawford broke up the shutout with a sac-fly in the ninth. The Giants still lead the best-of-five set two-games-to-one. San Francisco will host Game Four Tuesday, with Ryan Vogelsong opposing Gio Gonzalez.

>>Kershaw To Start Game Four Against Cardinals

(St. Louis, MO) -- Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will get a chance to rebound from his rough outing against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Four of NLDS. Manager Don Mattingly says Kershaw will start the game with Zack Greinke [[ GRAIN-kee ]] throwing in a potential Game Five. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is 0-and-3 in his last three postseason starts against St. Louis with an ERA of 8.10, including allowing eight earned runs in Friday's Game One.

A convincing 45-10 win over then-No. 9 South Dakota State on Saturday has propelled the Illinois State football program up seven spots in both national Football Championship Subdivision polls to No. 15, as announced on Monday.

The Redbirds picked up their second win over a ranked opponent this season with the 35-point victory over the Jackrabbits. ISU currently ranks second in the country in scoring at 49 points per game and is first in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 7.8 points per game to opponents.

ISU garnered 1,570 points in The Sports Network FCS Top 25 and jumped seven spots to No. 15 overall, the highest jump for any team in this week's rankings. North Dakota State remained at the No. 1 spot after a narrow victory at Western Illinois.

The Redbirds also moved up seven spots to No. 15 in the FCS Coaches Poll, thanks to their dominant defeat of the Jackrabbits in both teams' conference opener. North Dakota State led the way in the No. 1 spot and was followed by Youngstown State (No. 10), Southern Illinois (No. 13) and Illinois State. South Dakota State dropped 10 spots to No. 19 and Northern Iowa fell 11 spots to No. 21, but still finished ahead of Indiana State at No. 22 despite losing to the Sycamores, who have knocked off ranked opponents the last two weeks.

Illinois State will travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, on Saturday, Oct. 11, for its first road contest of the season against Indiana State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

ON 10/7/14 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED MICHAEL R. LUCAS 25, CLINTON FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED AND DRIVING WITHOUT LIGHTS WHEN REQUIRED AND SIDNEY D. COOPER 20, CLINTON FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

The Illinois Attorney General's office is asking residents to be on the lookout for a phone scam in which callers posing as government officials attempt to get people to send money by claiming they are under criminal investigation or owe unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office issued a news release on the scam in late August but now the office says it has seen an uptick in the number of calls in the last few weeks. The callers sometimes tell the people who answer the phone they should act quickly to avoid being arrested or have their bank accounts frozen.

Often the scam artists "spoof" caller ID devices into showing they're calling from government agencies or from the Washington, D.C. area code of 202.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's more than three decades in Washington have helped him become one of the most powerful Democrats on Capitol Hill. It's a position he says has helped him reap billions of dollars of federal funds and other benefits for Illinois.

But his Republican challenger, state Sen. Jim Oberweis, a dairy owner, says Durbin's lengthy tenure also makes him a "career politician" who's out-of-touch with voters and clueless about how to create jobs.

As the two face off in November, Oberweis acknowledges it'll take a significant Republican tide for him to unseat the Senate's second-ranking Democrat.

Oberweis tells The Associated Press that things need to move in a different direction, while Durbin says he wants to continue working to "lift up" the middle class.

Nearly the entire state of Illinois saw a fair amount of competition with applications for cultivation centers and dispensaries for medical cannabis, according to the latest release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Of the one-hundred-fifty-nine cultivation center applications, the most came from Grundy, Kendall and Will counties. Downers Grove in District 15 didn’t have any applications. As for applications to open up dispensaries, of the two-hundred-fourteen filed, the most were in Dupage county with none being filed for Dekalb.

But, it won’t end there … The state says they will open up a second application period for districts where no qualified applications were submitted.

The state brought in nearly five-million dollars in application fees from the interested businesses, money state officials say will stay within the program to keep it self-sustaining.

A documentary on the country's water resources by an Eastern Illinois University faculty member and four students will be previewed on campus before showing on the campus' PBS TV station.

According to a release from Eastern Illinois, a half-hour preview of "Expedition Endurance" will be shown at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Buzzard Building auditorium on campus. That will include a question-and-answer session with faculty member Cameron Craig and students Nathan Page, Darius Holland, Aric Ascot Pelafas and Jay Bushen.

WEIU-TV will begin showing the entire documentary in November. The first will be Nov. 5.

Craig and the students filmed the documentary over an 11-day trip that covered almost 5,000 miles in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and other states.

The White House has named a University of Illinois entomology professor as a winner of the nation's highest honor for achievement in science and technology.

May Berenbaum and other recipients will receive the National Medal of Science in Washington later this year.

The chancellor of the Urbana campus, Phyllis Wise, says Berenbaum's work has "fundamentally changed" what's known about the role of insects in human life.

In addition to her research, Berenbaum also created the annual Insect Fear Film Festival. It features films, an insect petting zoo and an insect art contest.

Berenbaum has been a University of Illinois faculty member since 1980. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from Yale University in 1975. She earned a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University in 1980.

Election officials say there are two days left for regular voter registration ahead of Nov. 4.

Illinois residents who have a driver's license or state ID can register online through the State Board of Elections website through Tuesday.

Starting Wednesday, voters have a chance to participate in "grace period" registration until Nov. 3. The process will be a little different for those registering late. Residents must present two forms of identification to election officials in person. One of these forms must include a current address.

People using the grace period must cast their ballot during the same visit.

Regular early voting starts Oct. 20.

The November election will let voters cast ballots for governor, other statewide officers and a U.S. senator.

Residents in central Illinois are worried that a proposed expansion of a coal-waste storage facility might affect the quality of their air and water.

More than 250 people attended a Thursday evening meeting of Logan County's Zoning Board of Appeals. The board is deciding on a request from St. Louis-based Arch Coal Inc. to reclassify more than 300 acres of agricultural land to expand an existing coal-waste storage facility. The Logan County Board would have to approve the zoning board's decision.

Reports indicate several residents in the standing-room only crowd said they were concerned about groundwater contamination.

The mine's operators issued a statement earlier last week assuring residents the facility was being "carefully engineered to operate safely, and to ensure protection of the environment."

The month of September was dedicated to the fight against childhood obesity and a local organization has some tips for young students and parents.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month was geared to educate parents and kids alike to utilize healthier options in everyday life. Monica Nyman, with the St. Louis Dairy Council, explains the new My Plate guidelines is a great tool to educate kids about nutrition. She notes My Plate had taken the place of the Food Pyramid which several generations of children grew up with.

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My Plate encourages balance in every meal, which can illustrates the importance of each food group to one's daily intake. Nyman stresses each meal should follow the My Plate principals.

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Changes in one's diet can take time and shouldn't be rushed. According to Nyman, eating healthier can train a person's body to make the correct changes over a certain period of time. She cautions anyone wanting to become healthier not to go "cold turkey" all at once because that can be discouraging.

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Eating healthier also helps prevent life threatening issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Nyman stresses there can even be financial benefits to eating healthier, such as fewer healthcare costs and money savings at the grocery store.

For more information on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, you can visit www.stldairycouncil.org.

One recent hot-button issue for many elected officials in Illinois politics has been minimum wage jobs.

State Representative Bill Mitchell feels Governor Pat Quinn has been focusing on minimum wage job too much of late and believes Gov. Quinn and other Democrats should be talking about higher income jobs in the State of Illinois. According to Mitchell, Illinois should be in the midst of creating a "good job agenda" which focuses on the vast majority of Illinois' working citizens.

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A recent statistic shows Illinois has more people on welfare than working, which Rep. Mitchell feels is outrageous. He wants to see Republicans and Democrats cease arguing and come together to find a solution to the problem.

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Rep. Mitchell notes once more jobs become available. the economy can turn around and minimum wage can be raised in Illinois. He feels it doesn't have to require government action to accomplish the turn around.

One local organization utilizes the annual Apple & Pork Festival to help fund their annual Fall Festival.

The Kenney Civic League makes thier presence know through their popular apple danish and cinnamon rolls. Debbie Rhodes, with Kenney Civic League, stresses everything is homemade and prepared by over 20 volunteers. She explains their annual Fall Fesitval is the benefactor of their annual sales, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

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Rhodes explains volunteers give many hours of their time to provide quality food for Apple & Pork every year. She notes making the rolls and danish is hard work but everyone has a good time participating.

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Rhodes has met a couple visiting from Ohio who bought danish to take back home with them. The Apple & Pork festival sees visitors for all over the country, and even in some cases, the world, to come out to support the non-profits.

This year's festival turnout was estimated at just short of 95-thousand.

(Brooklyn, NY) -- It didn't take long for first-year Nets head coach Lionel Hollins to send a message to center Brook Lopez. In a story from the "New York Daily News," Hollins implores Lopez to assert himself more as a player. At seven-feet tall, Hollins wants Lopez to use his size to be more forceful, but that's never been Lopez's game. The former first-round pick only played in 17 games last season and has a career rebounding average of 7.3.

>>LeBron, Love Era Starts In Cleveland

(Cleveland, OH) -- It was only the preseason opener, but the LeBron James and Kevin Love tandem made their debut for the Cavaliers Sunday night. Cleveland dumped Tel Aviv Maccabi, 107-80. James scored 12 points with four assists and four rebounds in 20 minutes, while Love added eight points, 11 boards and four helpers in 23 minutes. Kyrie Irving chipped in 16 points with five dimes. Cleveland is at the Heat on Saturday.

>>NBA To Announce New TV Deal

(Undated) -- The NBA is announcing a new television deal on Monday. Commissioner Adam Silver will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to discuss the new partnership with ESPN and Turner. It can be seen on NBA TV and NBA.com. The current deal is set to expire following the 2015-16 season. The Sports Business Journal reports the contract is worth two-billion-dollars annually.

(Kansas City, KS) -- Joey Logano is into the Eliminator Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup after his victory at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Logano led a race-high 122 laps and held on late for his fifth win of the season and his second in the Chase. Logano is now guaranteed a spot among the final eight drivers. Kyle Larson finished second, followed by Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Carl Edwards. The Chase heads to Charlotte next week.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Cardinals and Dodgers resume their National League Division Series with Game Three tonight at Busch Stadium. John Lackey starts for St. Louis opposite LA's Hyun-Jin Ryu [[ ree-OO ]]. The best-of-five matchup is even at one. The Cardinals will also host Game Four tomorrow.

>>Royals Sweep Angels To Advance To ALCS

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals are into the American League Championship Series for the first time since winning the World Series in 1985. Alex Gordon had a three-run double in the first inning and Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer in the third as the Royals beat the Angels 8-3 to sweep the best-of-five ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City will take on the Orioles in the best-of-seven ALCS starting Friday in Baltimore. The O's swept the Detroit Tigers earlier Sunday to advance. Mike Moustakas added a solo homer and James Shields tossed six innings of two-run ball for the win. Mike Trout and Albert Pujols both went deep for the Halos. C.J. Wilson allowed three runs while recording just two outs in the first inning to suffer the loss.

>>Orioles Edge Tigers, Complete Sweep In ALDS

(Detroit, MI) -- The Orioles are heading to the ALCS for the first time since 1997 after completing a three-game sweep of the Tigers with a 2-1 victory in the American League Division Series at Comerica Park. Nelson Cruz launched a two-run homer in the sixth and Baltimore held on late to advance. Bud Norris pitched six-and-a-third innings of two-hit ball while Zach Britton earned the save despite allowing a J.D. Martinez RBI double in the ninth. The O's will square of with the Kansas City Royals for a spot in the World Series. KC swept the Angels in the other ALDS. David Price gave up the two runs over eight innings to suffer the loss for Detroit, which managed just four hits.

The New York Islanders acquired defenseman Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk and goalie prospect Kent Simpson in trades Saturday.

The Islanders got Leddy and Simpson from Chicago for defensemen T.J. Brennan and Ville Pokka and the rights to restricted free-agent goalie Anders Nilsson. New York acquired Boychuk from Boston for 2015 and 2016 second-round draft picks and a conditional third-round pick.

The 23-year-old Leddy had seven goals and 24 assists in 82 games for Chicago last season. Selected by Minnesota in the first round in 2009 and traded to Chicago in February 2010, he had 20 goals and 73 assists in 258 games in four seasons with the Blackhawks.

The 30-year-old Boychuk is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He had five goals and 18 assists in 75 games last season. In 321 games in seven NHL seasons with Colorado and Boston, he has 19 goals and 56 assists.

>>Blackhawks Sign Carcillo

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Daniel Carcillo to a one-year contract.

The Blackhawks also assigned forward Teuvo Teravainen and defenseman Klas Dahlbeck to Rockford of the American Hockey League on Saturday. Teravainen is one of the team's top prospects, but Chicago is loaded at his position.

Carcillo played for Chicago for two seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2013, before he was traded to Los Angeles in July 2013. He played for the Kings and New York Rangers last season, finishing with four goals, one assist and 100 penalty minutes in 57 games.

Carcillo, who was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2003 draft, has 1,179 penalty minutes in 390 career games. He also has seven goals and seven assists in 45 career playoff appearances.

(Charlotte, NC) -- Cam Newton hit Greg Olsen from six yards out with just over two minutes to play to complete a 31-24 comeback win over the Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Philly Brown opened the scoring with a 79-yard punt return for a TD, but the Bears then scored the next 21 points to make it 21-7 early in the second quarter. Both Newton TD passes went to Olsen, who ended with six grabs and 72 yards. Newton finished with 255 yards and an interception. Jay Cuter had two touchdowns and two picks through the air while rushing for 22 yards and a score. Matt Forte had 12 catches for 105 yards and a TD, and Alshon Jeffery added 97 yards and a score. There were seven combined turnovers in the game; the costliest one coming late in the fourth by Forte. That fumble set up the game-winning drive for Carolina, which improved to 3-and-2. Chicago slipped to 2-and-3.

>>Eagles Hang On To Top Rams

(Philadelphia, PA) -- The Eagles scored a pair of non-offensive touchdowns to build a huge lead and hang on for a 34-28 win over the Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Chris Maragos recovered a blocked punt for a TD and Cedric Thornton recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score as Philadelphia improved to 4-and-1. Nick Foles threw for 207 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while LeSean McCoy ran for 81 yards in the win. Austin Davis threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns but lost two fumbles for St. Louis, which fell to 1-and-3. Brian Quick made five catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns in defeat.

(Landover, MD) -- The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are on the road for "Monday Night Football," facing the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Seattle is coming off its bye week and is 2-and-1 after beating the Denver Broncos in overtime two weeks ago in a Super Bowl rematch. Washington comes in following a 45-14 setback to the New York Giants on Thursday of Week Four. That loss put the 'Skins at 1-and-3. The Seahawks won by 10 in the playoffs during the 2012 season in the last matchup, which saw quarterback Robert Griffin the Third suffer a knee injury. "RG3" is out again now, with Kirk Cousins under center.

>>Broncos Could Be Without Ball

(Denver, CO) -- The breaks haven't gone Monte Ball's way in 2014. According to the "Denver Post," the Broncos running back could be "out for a while" after suffering an injury to his groin in Sunday's win against the Cardinals. Ball will have an MRI on Monday. At the time of the injury, he had seven yards on six carries. In four games this season, Ball has been held to 172 yards on 55 carries, good for 3.1 yards per carry. He's only scored one touchdown and lost a fumble. Ronnie Hillman stepped in for Ball, piling up 64 yards on 15 carries. Hillman and C.J. Anderson are expected to get the touches while the second-year back is out.

>>Manning Throws 500th Career TD

(Denver, CO) -- Peyton Manning continues to climb the charts in the NFL history book. Manning hit Julius Thomas in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Cardinals to become the second quarterback ever to pass for 500 touchdowns. The 38-year-old had exactly 100 TD passes with the Broncos coming into the game. The future Hall of Famer threw 399 touchdowns while with the Colts from 1998 to 2010. He missed the 2011 season for Indianapolis with an injury. He joined the Broncos for the 2012 season. Manning added three more TD tosses and now has 503 for his career. Brett Favre has an NFL-record 508 touchdown passes.

Marshaun Coprich ran for a career-best four touchdowns to lead Illinois State to a 45-10 rout of South Dakota State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams on Saturday.

Coprich had a 32-yard touchdown run and three more scores from inside the 5. He finished with 24 carries and a career-high 174 yards. It was his fourth consecutive 100-plus yards rushing game. He now has 604 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Tre Roberson, who was 7 of 19 for 168 yards passing, threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Meredith. Roberson also ran for 151 yards on 14 carries for Illinois State (4-0, 1-0).

Zach Lujan was 18 of 30 for 238 yards and threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jake Wieneke for South Dakota State (3-2, 0-1). Zach Zenner, the conference's career rushing leader, had 139 yards on 25 carries for the Jackrabbits.

>>Purdue Gets By Illinois

ustin Appleby threw for a touchdown and ran for two more in his first career start, as the Purdue Boilermakers outlasted Illinois, 38-27, in a Big Ten Conference matchup at Memorial Stadium.

Appleby got the start under center in place of struggling sophomore Danny Etling, and he completed 15-of-20 passes for 202 yards while also running for 76. Akeem Hunt carried 30 times for 177 yards and a touchdown to help the Boilermakers (3-3, 1-1 Big Ten) regain the Cannon Trophy and emerge victorious in their first true road game of the season.

Wes Lunt was 27-of-39 for 332 yards and two touchdowns for the Fighting Illini (3-3, 0-2), who entered the day unbeaten at home in three tries. Josh Ferguson ran for 60 yards and a score on 15 carries, and he also caught a game-high 10 passes for 79 yards in the loss. Mike Dudek paced all receivers with 200 yards on eight catches.

Purdue out-gained Illinois on the ground, 349-65, as the Boilermakers averaged a healthy 7.8 ypc for the game. Illinois averaged just 2.6 ypc as a team.

>>North Dakota State Downs Western Illinois

John Crockett passed for the tying touchdown and ran for the winning score Saturday in North Dakota State's 17-10 comeback victory over Western Illinois.

The Bison defense held on fourth-and-3 at the NDSU 36 with 1:07 to play, allowing their offense to run out the clock for their Football Championship Subdivision-record 29th straight win. NDSU has given up just 16 points in the fourth quarter over its last 24 games.

Trailing 10-3 in the fourth quarter, Crockett took a handoff from Carson Wentz, rolled to his right, then threw back across the field to a wide-open Wentz for the score. After forcing a punt, the Bison got the ball back at WIU's 35 and Crockett capped the drive with a 7-yard TD run.

Crockett rushed 22 times for 79 yards.

>>College Football Saturday Filled With Upsets

(undated) -- It was a Saturday of upsets in college football. Bo Wallace threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns to lead number-11 Ole Miss to a 23-17 victory over top-ranked Alabama. It was the program's first-ever win over a number-one ranked team. Trevone Boykin tossed for 318 yards and two scores while the defense racked up two picks to give number-25 TCU a 37-33 victory at home against third-ranked Oklahoma. Dak Prescott totaled 336 yards and five total touchdowns as 14th-ranked Mississippi State dominated number-seven Texas A&M 48-31. Ka'imi Fairbairn missed a 50-yard field goal as time expired as unranked Utah held on for a 30-28 upset of number-nine UCLA. Northwestern rushed for 203 yards as a team and forced four turnovers to steal a 20-14 win over 16th-ranked Wisconsin.

Jerry Exum Jr., 25, Champaign was issued a Citation and Arrested and charged with Driving on Suspended License. Exum posted the necessary bond and was released.

Janet Green, 59, Wheaton was issued a Citation for Speeding 82 MPH in a 65 MPH Zone. Green was issued a promise to comply and was released.

Jessica Linglebach, 23, Decatur was arrested and charged with Driving on Suspended License. Linglebach posted the necessary bond and was released.

Kelly Bourland, 23, Waynesville was arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging her with failure to appear for the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance/ Alprazolam. Bourland posted the necessary bond and was released.

Timothyy Mandrell, 33, Lincoln was arrested and charged with Fail Report Change of Address. Mandrell unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

Deven Morgan, 36, Bloomington was issued Citations for 2 Counts Driving Under Influence, Driving on Revoked License, Improper land Usage and Failure to Reduce Speed/ Accident. Morgan unable to post the necessary bond and was released.

Cierra Page, 20, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Page was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Kirk Wiseman, 44, Carpentersville was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Wiseman was issued a promise to comply and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT O LAW.